Herb & supplement monograph

Cassava Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Cassava interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Cassava is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Cassava is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

Check Cassava against your medication

Add one medication

✓ Supplement

Cassava

1 Your medication

Start typing any prescription or over-the-counter drug name.

Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines

On this page

Cassava Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Cassava drug interaction appears low for most people, though anyone taking thyroid medication should pay closer attention. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one of them is graded moderate with limited supporting evidence.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The concern that stands out most involves thyroid hormone medications. Human and animal research suggests cassava can lower thyroid hormone levels, especially when the root is poorly processed or eaten as part of a protein-deficient diet, and one small human study found that eating boiled cassava leaves for several days reduced thyroid hormone levels. Because thyroid treatment depends on keeping hormone levels steady, this effect could work against the medication and is worth watching.

What the rest of the list means

Notably, this whole interaction profile centers on a single theme, cassava's possible effect on the thyroid, rather than many separate problems. The evidence is still limited and somewhat mixed, so a predicted effect does not mean every person eating cassava will see a real change, particularly with well-processed cassava eaten as part of a balanced diet.

Check your medications against Cassava

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Cassava interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Cassava

16 medications have a known interaction with Cassava, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Cassava using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Cassava interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Cassava combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Cassava affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Cassava is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Cassava interacts with

Thyroid Hormone

Evidence from human and animal research suggests that cassava root has marked antithyroid effects, particularly if poorly processed or if consumed as part of a protein-deficient diet. Also, clinical research shows that consuming boiled cassava leaves 200 grams twice daily for 9 days significantly reduces levels of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Theoretically, cassava may alter thyroid function, reduce thyroid hormone levels, and interfere with thyroid hormone-replacement therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Cassava: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Cassava is a starchy root vegetable that feeds millions of people worldwide, but it must be properly cooked or processed because the raw plant contains compounds that release cyanide. As a supplement, it is marketed for fertility and twin conception, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these claims. Always prepare cassava correctly and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using cassava products for health reasons.

Scientific name: Manihot esculenta
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Part used: Starchy root (tuber) and leaves
Common forms: Whole root, flour, tapioca, dried powder, capsules

People commonly use it for

Dietary staple/source of carbohydrates
Fertility aid (to conceive twins)
Digestive support
General energy
Gluten-free flour alternative

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Properly cooked cassava is a common food, but raw or poorly processed cassava can cause cyanide poisoning.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When used orally as a food, especially in large quantities. Animal research suggests that consuming milled cassava powder as 80% of the diet during th...

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingPossibly Unsafe

When used orally in food amounts, especially in large quantities. Excess consumption of cassava during lactation may increase the risk of exposing the...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Cassava (Manihot esculenta), also called yuca, manioc, or Brazilian arrowroot, is a starchy root vegetable grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is a major source of calories for hundreds of millions of people in Africa, Asia, and South America.

The plant grows as a woody shrub, and its large root is the main edible part. Cassava is processed into many products, including flour, tapioca pearls, and dried powders. The leaves are also eaten in some cultures after thorough cooking.

Beyond food, cassava is sometimes sold as a dietary supplement and marketed for purposes such as fertility. It is important to know that cassava must be properly peeled, soaked, and cooked, because the raw plant contains natural compounds that can release cyanide.

How it works

Cassava root is mostly starch, which the body breaks down into sugar for energy. It also provides some fiber, vitamin C, and small amounts of minerals.

The fertility and twinning claims are sometimes explained by the idea that certain plant compounds might affect hormones or ovulation. This is a theory only, and it has not been confirmed in well-designed human studies.

Importantly, cassava naturally contains cyanogenic glycosides (such as linamarin). When the plant is damaged or eaten raw, these compounds can release cyanide, which is toxic. Proper peeling, soaking, drying, and cooking greatly reduce these compounds and make cassava safe to eat.

Effectiveness

Does Cassava work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated

2 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Cassava, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Observational research suggests that higher dietary intake of cassava flour is linked with a 9% reduced risk for developing type 2 diabetes when compared with lower dietary intake.

Sources Ref 99803

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diarrhea-related dehydration

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research suggests that salt solutions from cassava might be effective for treating diarrhea-related dehydration in children. In one trial, taking a cassava salt solution significantly reduced stool output and duration of diarrhea compared to the World Health Organization/Oral Rehydration Solution (WHO/ORS) in children with dehydration caused by diarrhea. However, while cassava salt solution appears to be effective for the management of mild to moderate diarrhea-related dehydration in children, its low electrolyte content makes it unsuitable for treating severe dehydration with electrolyte depletion.

Sources Ref 25884 Ref 25885

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Properly prepared cassava is eaten safely by millions of people every day. However, raw or poorly processed cassava can be dangerous because of its cyanide-releasing compounds. Eating it improperly can cause serious or even life-threatening poisoning.

People who rely heavily on cassava as their main food, without enough protein or variety, may be at higher risk of harm from cyanide exposure over time. A condition called konzo, which affects the nerves, has been linked to long-term intake of poorly processed cassava in some regions.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, well-cooked cassava eaten as a normal food is common, but concentrated cassava supplements have not been studied for safety. Because of the cyanide concern and lack of data, it is best to avoid cassava supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding and to stick to properly prepared food amounts.

Anyone with a thyroid condition or a nutritionally limited diet should be especially cautious, and should speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using cassava products.

Side effects

When cassava is properly cooked and eaten as a normal food, it is usually well tolerated. Because it is high in starch, eating large amounts may cause bloating, gas, or blood sugar spikes in some people.

The most serious risk comes from cyanide exposure in raw or poorly processed cassava. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can include dizziness, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, rapid breathing, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. Long-term exposure to small amounts has been linked to nerve and thyroid problems.

If you suspect cyanide poisoning, seek emergency medical care right away.

Cassava: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Cassava from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, cassava may cause cyanide poisoning. Cassava, especially the bitter variety, contains cyanogenic glycosides. If not removed during processing, these constituents are converted to cyanogens. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can include vomiting, nausea, stomach pains, and diarrhea, as well as dizziness, weakness, and headache.. Cassava intake has also been associated with an increased risk of hypothyroidism and endemic goiter. This adverse effect is attributed to cyanogens, which can disrupt thyroid hormone production by decreasing iodine absorption. The risk of these adverse effects is especially high for patients who consume cassava as part of a protein-deficient diet. Consumption of cassava that has not been processed to remove the cyanogens has also been associated with an increased risk of developing paralytic diseases, tropical pancreatitis, and tropical ataxic neuropathy. Rarely, cassava has been reported to cause allergic reaction.

Reports by condition

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Immunologic

Rarely, cases of IgE-mediated allergic reaction have been reported after consumption of cassava. Reactions have included generalized urticaria, angioedema, respiratory distress, dry cough, and anaphylaxis. To date, all patients with confirmed cassava allergy also had an existing, confirmed latex allergy. It is hypothesized that cassava allergy results from primary sensitization to latex.

Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, cassava can cause cyanide poisoning. Cassava, especially the bitter variety, contains cyanogenic glycosides. If not removed during processing, these constituents are converted to cyanogens. Neurological symptoms of cyanide poisoning include dizziness, weakness, and headache. Evidence from case-control studies suggests that ingestion of wild or unprocessed cassava is associated with an increased risk of paralytic diseases, including spastic paraparesis, ataxic neuropathy, and konzo. People who consume wild or unprocessed cassava along with a protein-deficient diet seem to be at a particularly increased risk for these effects. Although konzo is primarily a paralytic disease, children diagnosed with konzo have also demonstrated reduced mental and motor function. Furthermore, children who have not been diagnosed with konzo but who live in a region where konzo is endemic demonstrate impairment in neurocognition and motor proficiency when compared with children in non-endemic regions. This suggests that there may be a subclinical form of the condition that causes neurocognitive complications.

Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, cassava can cause cyanide poisoning. Cassava, especially the bitter varieties, contains cyanogenic glycosides. If not removed during processing, these constituents are converted to cyanogens. Gastrointestinal symptoms of cyanide poisoning can include vomiting, nausea, stomach pains, and diarrhea.

Cardoso AP, Mirione E, Ernesto M, et al. Processing of cassava roots to remove cyanogens. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 2005;18(5):451-60.

Hypothyroidism Endocrine

Orally, cassava has been associated with an increased risk of hypothyroidism and endemic goiter, particularly when consumed after poor processing or along with a protein-deficient diet. Cassava, especially the bitter varieties, contains cyanogenic glycosides. If not removed during processing, these constituents are converted to cyanogens, which disrupt thyroid hormone production by decreasing iodine absorption. In humans, consuming boiled cassava leaves 200 grams twice daily can decrease serum levels of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) after only 9 days.

There is also some concern that people who regularly consume cassava may have an increased risk of developing tropical pancreatitis, a form of pancreatitis that is primarily seen in tropical countries. However, this association has not been consistently observed.

Neuropathic pain Ocular/Otic

Orally, long-term consumption of wild or unprocessed cassava has been associated with the development of optic neuropathy and tropical ataxic neuropathy, presenting as loss of vision and hearing, particularly in protein-malnourished populations. Both of these conditions are attributed to cassava-induced cyanide overload.

Tucker K, Hedges TR. Food shortages and an epidemic of optic and peripheral neuropathy in Cuba. Nutr Rev 1993;51(12):349-57.
Wilson J. Cyanide in human disease: a review of clinical and laboratory evidence. Fundam Appl Toxicol 1983;3(5):397-9.
Cardoso AP, Mirione E, Ernesto M, et al. Processing of cassava roots to remove cyanogens. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 2005;18(5):451-60.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established or standardized dose for cassava as a supplement. As a food, it is simply prepared and eaten in normal serving sizes after proper cooking.

For cassava supplements or flour products, follow the directions on the product label. Because these products are not well studied and quality can vary, it is wise to check with your pharmacist or doctor before using them, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a health condition.

Never eat raw cassava, and always make sure it has been peeled, soaked or fermented, and thoroughly cooked.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Cassava & Pregnancy

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally as a food, especially in large quantities. Animal research suggests that consuming milled cassava powder as 80% of the diet during the first 15 days of pregnancy can cause teratogenic effects, including intrauterine growth restriction, limb defects, and abnormally small brain (microencephaly). Also, epidemiological evidence suggests that pregnant women who regularly consume dietary cassava in the form of gari during pregnancy have higher levels of thiocyanate, which has negative effects on fetal birthweight, compared to those who do not consume cassava. ...when applied intravaginally. Inserting 2-3 cm of cassava stalk into the vagina has been used to induce abortion and labor.

Cassava & Breastfeeding

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally in food amounts, especially in large quantities. Excess consumption of cassava during lactation may increase the risk of exposing the infant to thiocyanate, which can negatively affect thyroid function in the infant.

Dorea JG. Maternal thiocyanate and thyroid status during breast-feeding. J Am Coll Nutr 2004;23(2):97-101.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 30 references that drive our Cassava monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Hernandez T, Lundquist P, Oliveira L, et al. Fate in humans of dietary intake of cyanogenic glycosides from roots of sweet cassava consumed in Cuba. Nat Toxins 1995;3(2):114-7. PubMed
Ariffin WA, Choo KE, Karnaneedi S. Cassava (ubi kayu) poisoning in children. Med J Malaysia 1992;47(3):231-4.
Tylleskar T, Banea M, Bikangi N, et al. Cassava cyanogens and konzo, an upper motoneuron disease found in Africa. Lancet 1992;339(8787):208-11. PubMed
Akindahunsi AA, Grissom FE, Adewusi SR, et al. Parameters of thyroid function in the endemic goitre of Akungba and Oke-Agbe villages of Akoko area of southwestern Nigeria. Afr J Med Med Sci 1998;27(3-4):239-42.
Osman BA, Ng ML, Bakar AA, Khalid BA. The effect of cassava leave intake on thyroid hormone and urinary iodine. East Afr Med J 1993;70(5):314-5.
Gaitan E, Cooksey RC, Legan J, et al. Antithyroid effects in vivo and in vitro of babassu and mandioca: a staple food in goiter areas of Brazil. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;131(2):138-44. PubMed
Geelhoed GW. Metabolic maladaptation: individual and social consequences of medical intervention in correcting endemic hypothyroidism. Nutrition 1999;15(11-12):908-32. DOI
Biassoni P, Ravera G, Bertocchi J, et al. Influence of dietary habits on thyroid status of a nomadic people, the Bororo shepherds, roaming a central African region affected by severe iodine deficiency. Eur J Endocrinol 1998;138(6):681-5. PubMed
Delange F. The disorders induced by iodine deficiency. Thyroid 1994;4(1):107-28. PubMed
Delange F. [The role of goitrogenic factors distinct from iodine deficiency in the etiology of goiter]. Ann Endocrinol (Paris) 1988;49(4-5):302-5.
Assan R, Assan D, Thiebaut MF, et al. [Diabetogenic tropical pancreatitis]. Diabete Metab 1988;14(3):299-312.
Balakrishnan V, Unnikrishnan AG, Thomas V, et al. Chronic pancreatitis. A prospective nationwide study of 1,086 subjects from India. JOP 2008;9(5):593-600.
Cliff J, Lundqvist P, Martensson J, et al. Association of high cyanide and low sulphur intake in cassava-induced spastic paraparesis. Lancet 1985;2(8466):1211-3. PubMed
Paula Cardoso A, Ernesto M, Nicala D, et al. Combination of cassava flour cyanide and urinary thiocyanate measurements of school children in Mozambique. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2004;55(3):183-90. PubMed
Dumas M, Giordano C, Ndiaye IP, et al. [The concept of tropical neuromyelopathy]. Bull Soc Pathol Exot Filiales 1988;81(2):183-8.
Tucker K, Hedges TR. Food shortages and an epidemic of optic and peripheral neuropathy in Cuba. Nutr Rev 1993;51(12):349-57. PubMed
Wilson J. Cyanide in human disease: a review of clinical and laboratory evidence. Fundam Appl Toxicol 1983;3(5):397-9. DOI
Grange AO. Evaluation of cassava-salt suspension in the management of acute diarrhoea in infants and children. J Diarrhoeal Dis Res 1994;12(1):55-8.
Olusanya O, Olanrewaju DM, Oluwole FA. Studies on the effectiveness, safety and acceptability of fluids from local foodstuffs in the prevention and management of dehydration caused by diarrhoea in children. J Trop Pediatr 1994;40(6):360-4. PubMed
Singh JD. The teratogenic effects of dietary Cassava on the pregnant albino rat: a preliminary report. Teratology 1981;24(3):289-91. PubMed
Oforofuo IA, Omu AE. Serum thiocyanate levels in a normal population and in pregnancy in Benin City, Nigeria: preliminary report. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1991;34(1):65-9. PubMed
Nikolajsen T, Nielsen F, Rasch V, et al. Uterine contraction induced by Tanzanian plants used to induce abortion. J Ethnopharmacol 2011;137(1):921-5. PubMed
Cardoso AP, Mirione E, Ernesto M, et al. Processing of cassava roots to remove cyanogens. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 2005;18(5):451-60. DOI
Dorea JG. Maternal thiocyanate and thyroid status during breast-feeding. J Am Coll Nutr 2004;23(2):97-101. PubMed
Sánchez D, Sus S, Ortiz B, Sánchez J, Cardona R. Cross-reactivity Between Cassava and Latex in a Colombian Patient With an Anaphylactic Reaction. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2015;25(6):453-5.
Rosa ML, Falcão PM, Yokoo EM, et al. Brazil's staple food and incident diabetes. Nutrition. 2014 Mar;30(3):365-8. Epub 2013 Oct 2. PubMed
Banea JP, Bradbury JH, Mandombi C, et al. Control of konzo by detoxification of cassava flour in three villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013 Oct;60:506-13. Epub 2013 Aug 11. PubMed
Boivin MJ, Okitundu D, Makila-Mabe Bumoko G, et al. Neuropsychological effects of konzo: a neuromotor disease associated with poorly processed cassava. Pediatrics. 2013 Apr;131(4):e1231-9. Epub 2013 Mar 25. PubMed
Antolin-Amerigo D, Rodriguez-Rodriguez M, Barbarroja-Escudero J, Postigo Resa I, Uribe-Etxebarría MC, Alvarez-Mon M. Hypersensitivity to cassava: an allergen-based assessment. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2012;22(5):385-6.
Santos KS, Galvao CE, Gadermaier G, et al. Allergic reactions to manioc (Manihot esculenta Crantz): identification of novel allergens with potential involvement in latex-fruit syndrome. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 Dec;128(6):1367-9. Epub 2011 Aug 19. PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Cassava

27 brands in our database make a supplement containing Cassava.

Swanson 1,121 products Swanson Ultra 402 products TerraVita Premium Collection 4,019 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Cassava

66 products in our database contain Cassava. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cassava: Common Questions

What is Cassava used for, and does it work?

People use Cassava for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Cassava interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 16 medications with a known interaction with Cassava. Use the checker above to see how Cassava interacts with a specific drug.

How are Cassava interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Cassava with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Cassava interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Cassava used for?

Cassava is mainly used as a food and source of energy, often as flour or tapioca. As a supplement it is marketed for fertility and twin conception, but those uses are not backed by good scientific evidence.

Is Cassava safe to eat?

Yes, when it is properly peeled, soaked or fermented, and fully cooked. Raw or poorly prepared Cassava can release cyanide and cause serious poisoning, so it should never be eaten raw.

Does Cassava really help you have twins?

There is no reliable scientific proof that Cassava increases your chances of conceiving twins. This claim is based on tradition and marketing, not well-designed human studies.

Can I take Cassava supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Well-cooked Cassava as food is commonly eaten, but concentrated Cassava supplements have not been proven safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding and are best avoided. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Cassava

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Cassava — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 66 products with Cassava →

Where next

Supplement interaction checkerCheck any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactionsCheck two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–ZEvery drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookupFind a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacistFree, personal answer from our licensed team

Have a question about Cassava?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist