Cinnamon Infusion Reduces Satiety and Increases Energy Intake: A Randomized Crossover Trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the intake of a single dose of cinnamon infusion on energy metabolism, appetite responses, and food intake in healthy individuals.

This was an open randomized crossover clinical trial, with a minimum washout of 7 days, in which two standardized breakfasts were served randomly: one with cinnamon infusion (2 g, Cinnamomum sp.) and one with water (control). The study included 21 healthy volunteers. Energy expenditure (EE), diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), respiratory quotient (RQ), substrate oxidation, and appetite responses were evaluated, as well as prospective food intake.

Ingestion of cinnamon infusion did not alter EE, DIT, RQ, or substrate oxidation. The incremental area under the curve for hunger, satiety, and desire to eat did not differ between the treatment with cinnamon infusion and water; however, there was a reduction in the feeling of satiety (p = 0.021) compared to the control treatment. The energy consumption of the first meal after treatment was higher (p = 0.05) in the treatment with cinnamon infusion than in the control treatment. Regarding macronutrients or food intake throughout the day, there was no difference between treatments.

Although it did not affect energy metabolism, consuming a single dose of cinnamon infusion promoted less feeling of satiety and increased energy intake in the first meal after treatment. The study protocol was registered at the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry Platform (RBR-5ftg3z).