Ingredient evidence
Is the Cinnamon in Black Sugar Protect Ceylon? Coumarin Facts
Black Sugar Protect names concentrated Ceylon cinnamon, the type that holds only low levels of coumarin. Cassia, the common US type, averages about 3,000 mg of coumarin per kilogram. In 10 trials cinnamon lowered fasting glucose by about 24.6 mg/dL but did not change HbA1c.
Written by the Black Sugar Protect editorial teamUpdated · 7 min read
Two spices, one name
What is the difference between Ceylon and cassia cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum, is called true cinnamon and grows mainly in Sri Lanka. Cassia is the type most often sold in North America (NCCIH, Cinnamon).
They taste alike in a kitchen, but they differ in one compound that matters for supplements: coumarin. Cassia contains a lot of it. Ceylon may contain only a trace (NCCIH, Cinnamon).
That difference grows when cinnamon is taken every day in concentrated form. It is why the species on a supplement label is worth checking. Black Sugar Protect's ingredient graphic says "Concentrated Ceylon Cinnamon" (Black Sugar Protect sales page). The profile is on the Ceylon cinnamon page.
Side by side
Ceylon vs cassia cinnamon: how do they compare?
| Feature | Ceylon cinnamon | Cassia cinnamon |
|---|---|---|
| Also called | True cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum | Cassia |
| Where you see it | Grows mainly in Sri Lanka | The most common type sold in North America |
| Coumarin | Low levels, possibly a trace | About 3,000 mg per kg on average |
| Liver concern | Lower, since coumarin is low | Linked to liver effects in sensitive people |
| In Black Sugar Protect | Named on the brand graphic | Not named |
The brand's choice of Ceylon is a real point in its favor. The open question is the amount, which is not disclosed.
Coumarin
Why does coumarin in cinnamon matter?
Coumarin can harm the liver in sensitive people. In a small group, medicinal doses caused liver damage that was usually reversible (BfR, Coumarin FAQ). NCCIH notes it may be an issue for people with liver disease (NCCIH, Cinnamon).
Germany's risk agency sets a tolerable daily intake of 0.1 mg of coumarin per kg of body weight. For a 60 kg adult, that is about 6 mg a day (BfR, Coumarin FAQ).
At the average of about 3,000 mg of coumarin per kg, each gram of cassia holds about 3 mg. Roughly 2 grams of cassia a day would reach the 6 mg limit for a 60 kg adult (BfR, Coumarin FAQ). Ceylon stays far below that.
BfR also warns that cinnamon supplements can contain high coumarin levels, depending on the type used (BfR, Coumarin FAQ).
Blood sugar
Does cinnamon lower blood sugar?
It lowered fasting glucose in trials, but not HbA1c. A 2013 meta-analysis pooled 10 randomized trials with 543 people with type 2 diabetes. Doses ran from 120 mg to 6 g a day for 4 to 18 weeks (Allen et al. 2013).
Fasting glucose fell by about 24.6 mg/dL on average. HbA1c, the longer-term measure, did not change significantly. The results varied widely between trials, publication bias was possible, and the best dose and length are unclear (Allen et al. 2013).
NCCIH calls the benefit unclear, partly because many studies do not say which species they tested (NCCIH, Cinnamon). So a cassia trial result may not apply to Ceylon, or the other way around. The ADA's 2026 Standards do not recommend herb or spice supplements for blood sugar (ADA, Standards of Care 2026).
The trials in numbers
What did cinnamon trials measure?
Allen et al. 2013, Annals of Family Medicine (Allen et al. 2013).
Safety
Is cinnamon safe to take every day?
In modest amounts, mostly yes. NCCIH says cinnamon below 6 grams a day does not appear to pose a health risk (NCCIH, Diabetes and supplements). The type still matters, because cassia carries far more coumarin.
- Pregnancy: larger amounts of Ceylon cinnamon are considered unsafe (NCCIH, Cinnamon).
- Liver disease: coumarin in cassia may be a problem (NCCIH, Cinnamon).
- Diabetes medicines: some supplement ingredients can intensify them and cause lows, so ask first (ADA, Vitamins and supplements).
Black Sugar Protect contains five other ingredients, each with its own cautions. They are collected on the side effects page.
Black Sugar Protect
What kind of cinnamon is in Black Sugar Protect?
The brand graphic says Ceylon. Tap number 3 for what is known about it.
- Licorice root
No amount. Glycyrrhizin in licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium, more so with large amounts or long use.
- Magnesium
No amount and no form. Supplements should stay at or below 350 mg a day for adults unless a clinician advises more.
- Concentrated Ceylon cinnamon
No amount. Ceylon is the low-coumarin type. Trials used 120 mg to 6 g a day.
- High purity berberine
No amount and no purity figure. The usual herbal dose is 250 to 500 mg two or three times daily.
- Alpha-lipoic acid
No amount. Oral trials used 600 mg or more a day; a review found no blood sugar benefit over placebo.
- Chelated chromium
No amount and no compound named. A paid press release says chromium picolinate instead.
The word "concentrated" is not explained. No extract ratio, no milligram amount and no Supplement Facts panel is published. Trials used 120 mg to 6 g a day, a fifty-fold range (Allen et al. 2013). Without a number, nobody can say where the product falls. The label check lists what the bottle must answer.
Before you buy
How can you tell which cinnamon a supplement uses?
Read the species on the label. A clear label names Cinnamomum verum or says Ceylon, and gives an amount in milligrams.
Find the species
"Cinnamon" alone could mean cassia.
Find the amount
Compare it with the 120 mg to 6 g range used in trials.
Check the extract
If it says concentrated or extract, look for a ratio or a standard.
Bring it to your clinician
Especially if you are pregnant, have liver disease or take diabetes medicines.
For a wider look, read what the berberine evidence shows.
FAQ
Ceylon and cassia cinnamon FAQ
Is Ceylon cinnamon better than cassia for blood sugar?
No trial shows one works better for blood sugar, partly because many studies do not name the species. Ceylon is the safer choice for daily use because it has far less coumarin. Cassia averages about 3,000 mg of coumarin per kilogram.
How much cassia cinnamon is too much?
The tolerable daily intake for coumarin is 0.1 mg per kg of body weight, about 6 mg for a 60 kg adult. At cassia's average coumarin level, that is roughly 2 grams of cassia a day. Ceylon cinnamon stays well below that limit.
Can taking cinnamon bring down HbA1c?
Not in pooled trials. A 2013 analysis of 10 trials found fasting glucose about 24.6 mg/dL lower with cinnamon, but HbA1c did not change significantly. The results varied a lot between trials, and the best dose is unclear.
Is cinnamon safe during pregnancy?
Larger amounts of Ceylon cinnamon during pregnancy are considered unsafe, according to NCCIH. Supplements deliver concentrated amounts, and Black Sugar Protect also contains berberine, which should not be used in pregnancy. Anyone pregnant should skip these supplements unless a clinician advises otherwise.
Which cinnamon species does Black Sugar Protect list?
The brand's ingredient graphic says concentrated Ceylon cinnamon, the low-coumarin type. It gives no amount, no extract ratio and no Supplement Facts panel. Check the label on the bottle you receive to confirm the species and the milligrams.
How much cinnamon a day is safe?
NCCIH says cinnamon below 6 grams a day does not appear to pose a health risk. For cassia, coumarin sets a lower practical limit, about 2 grams a day for a 60 kg adult. People with liver disease should ask their clinician first.
Does Black Sugar Protect use Ceylon or cassia cinnamon?
It lists concentrated Ceylon cinnamon, which is the lower coumarin type. The amount is not disclosed, so check the Supplement Facts panel on your bottle for the exact form.
Why does Ceylon cinnamon matter in Black Sugar Protect?
Ceylon holds only low levels of coumarin, while cassia averages about 3,000 mg per kilogram. That is why the type matters, though Black Sugar Protect still gives no cinnamon amount.
Who wrote this
Written and reviewed by
Plain-language pages built from the bottle photos, the sales page and linked public health sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by Blacksugarprotects, a USA Authorized Black Sugar Protect Retailer, not by the manufacturer. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
Keep reading
More about Black Sugar Protect
Ceylon cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon is the low-coumarin type. Trials used 120 mg to 6 g a day; the product's amount is not disclosed.
Read more
Ingredients
Six named ingredients, zero published amounts: the research and the cautions behind each one.
Read moreLabel check
No Supplement Facts panel is published. What is known, what is missing, and the ten lines to check on your bottle.
Read moreUSA Authorized Black Sugar Protect Retailer
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