Summary:
In adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, cinnamon supplementation produced numerical reductions in anthropometric measurements (body weight, BMI) that did not reach statistical significance compared to placebo control, with the study being essentially negative for weight-related outcomes.
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. |
| Intervention | Cinnamon supplementation. |
| Comparison | Placebo control group. |
| Outcome | Numerical reductions in body weight and BMI but not statistically significant. Negative for weight outcomes. |
Clinical Context
Cinnamon has been studied for potential metabolic benefits, but evidence for clinically meaningful effects remains inconsistent. This trial examined whether cinnamon affects anthropometric measures in type 2 diabetes.
Clinical Pearls
1. Negative Results Inform Practice: Null findings help manage patient expectations about cinnamon for weight loss.
2. Statistical vs Clinical Significance: Any effect is too small to be clinically meaningful for weight management.
3. Supplement Claims vs Evidence: This trial adds to evidence suggesting cinnamon effects are modest and inconsistent.
4. Focus Resources Elsewhere: Redirect efforts toward proven interventions: diet, exercise, and evidence-based pharmacotherapy.
Practical Application
Provide evidence-based counseling: trials have not demonstrated significant effects on body weight in T2DM. Cinnamon as a culinary spice is safe, but supplementation for metabolic benefits is not supported.
Study Limitations
Sample size may have been insufficient to detect small effects. Cinnamon type, dose, and duration affect comparability across studies.
Bottom Line
Cinnamon supplementation does not significantly reduce body weight or BMI in adults with type 2 diabetes compared to placebo.
Source: Lira Neto JCG, et al. “Efficacy of Cinnamon in Reducing Anthropometric Measurements in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Clinical Trial.” Read article
