Is Nutmeg Poisonous? – Toxicity to Humans, Dogs, and Cats
Nutmeg is safe in the small amounts used in cooking but becomes toxic when consumed in large quantities. The spice most people have in their kitchen poses little risk at culinary doses for adults. However, it is poisonous to dogs and cats at amounts much lower than what would affect a human, and large amounts can cause alarming neurological symptoms in people, particularly children.
What Makes Nutmeg Toxic
The active compound is myristicin, a naturally occurring substance found in the seed of Myristica fragrans. Myristicin acts on the central nervous system. In large doses it causes hallucinations, agitation, and cardiovascular effects. Related compounds such as elemicin and safrole contribute to the overall toxicity profile.
The whole seed (freshly grated nutmeg) contains more active compounds than pre-ground commercial nutmeg, but both are capable of causing toxicity at high doses.
A pinch or a small amount in a baked good or recipe is not a concern for a healthy adult. The risk begins when someone deliberately consumes large amounts, which does happen, most commonly among teenagers experimenting with nutmeg as a legal high. The effects are unpleasant and the dose needed for any effect is also close to the dose that causes serious symptoms.
Symptoms of Nutmeg Poisoning
Symptoms typically begin 2 to 8 hours after ingestion, which is one reason nutmeg poisoning is sometimes initially confusing.
Dogs and cats: Vomiting, depression, tremors, disorientation, rapid heart rate, and sensitivity to touch or sound. Seizures can occur in severe cases. Dogs are more commonly affected because they are more likely to eat food containing nutmeg. Cats are at risk as well. Any ingestion beyond a trace amount warrants a call to your vet.
Humans and children: Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and a flushed feeling come first. These are followed by agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, disorientation, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. A small child who consumes a meaningful amount is at greater risk due to body weight. The experience is generally described as unpleasant rather than pleasant, and symptoms can last several hours.
What to Do If Someone Ingests Nutmeg
- Assess the amount consumed. A pinch in a recipe is very different from a tablespoon or more eaten directly.
- Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or your vet if the amount ingested is unclear or if symptoms appear.
- Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional or vet.
- Keep the person or animal calm and comfortable.
- Seek emergency care if there are seizures, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or severe confusion.
There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive, focused on managing symptoms such as nausea, agitation, and heart rate irregularities.
Culinary Use Is Not a Concern
To be clear: nutmeg used normally in cooking is not a poison risk for adults. The amounts in a bechamel sauce, a pumpkin pie, or a holiday drink are far below any threshold for toxicity. The concern is concentrated ingestion, whether accidental in children or deliberate.
Keep nutmeg, like all spices, in a cabinet out of reach of young children. If a toddler gets into a spice rack and has consumed some nutmeg, call poison control to assess based on the child’s weight and the likely amount ingested.
For pets, the threshold is lower. Dogs that eat food seasoned with nutmeg, or get into a spice container, should be seen by a vet.
Safe Handling
- Store nutmeg in a closed container in a cabinet above counter height.
- Do not use nutmeg to season food intended for dogs or cats.
- If you share food with your pets, be aware that many baked goods and savory dishes contain nutmeg.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much nutmeg is toxic to a human adult? Toxicity in adults has been reported with doses in the range of a tablespoon or more of ground nutmeg consumed at once. Culinary quantities used in cooking are far below this threshold. Because body weight matters and individual responses vary, any concerning ingestion should be assessed by poison control.
Is nutmeg dangerous in eggnog or other drinks? No. The amount used in typical recipes is small and presents no toxicity risk for adults or older children.
Can a dog eat food that has nutmeg in it? Dogs should not eat food seasoned with nutmeg. Even small amounts can cause symptoms in dogs because of their smaller body size. If your dog ate a baked good containing nutmeg, call your vet for guidance.
Does mace have the same toxicity as nutmeg? Mace comes from the outer coating of the nutmeg seed and contains similar compounds, including myristicin. The toxicity profile is comparable. Apply the same caution.