Nutmeg

Animal and lab studies only

• Open question

  Lactation effect evidence⁶

  In lab studies, nutmeg showed activity that could affect lactation, but no data exist on nursing mothers or infants.

Study type not stated

• Concern

  Gut and organ effects⁵

  At high doses, nutmeg has been linked to stomach upset and liver and kidney problems.

Found in some samples or products

These come from where it was grown, how it was processed or cooked, or what it was made into. They are not about the ingredient itself, so the signal does not count them.

• Mould toxin in spices⁴

  Powdered nutmeg and chilli often contained aflatoxin, a mould toxin, more so than whole spices.

Single cases of misuse or overdose

One person or one incident, such as an accidental overdose or a mistake in a kitchen or factory. They are real, but a single case does not show what happens at normal amounts, so the signal does not count them.

• Pregnancy health³

  A pregnant woman who ate too much nutmeg had symptoms of overstimulation.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least one finding in people. When most findings in people point one way, the page leans that way (“Mostly”), and every finding is still shown. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.