“Dry Scooping” Is The Latest Internet Trend, But It’s More Dangerous Than You Think

A concerning trend has emerged in the Chinese-created TikTok app known as “dry scooping.” This trend involves individuals swallowing a scoop of pre-workout powder directly from the container without mixing it with water or juice.

Dry scooping has gained popularity on TikTok as people seek attention and followers on social media, but it comes at a significant risk to their safety. This practice is an offshoot of another dangerous TikTok trend where people consumed spoonfuls of dry ingredients, including spices like cinnamon, which led to hospitalizations due to its risks.

Dry scooping enthusiasts claim that it saves time and provides a faster “pump” compared to mixing the powder into a drink. However, this trend is extremely perilous. Pre-workout powders are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they could contain various unverified ingredients. Some individuals have reported adverse effects, including a twenty-year-old suffering a heart attack after dry scooping.

Others have experienced difficulty breathing when the powder blocked their airways. Dr. Saumil Oza, chief of cardiology at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Florida, emphasized the importance of common sense and cautioned against blindly following TikTok trends. Many pre-workout powders contain high levels of caffeine, up to three times the amount found in a typical cup of coffee.

Excessive caffeine intake can lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac strain, potentially causing heart attacks and heart rhythm disturbances, particularly in young, healthy individuals. Dr. Joy Gelbman, a cardiologist, highlighted that the large dose of caffeine in dry scooping can lead to the release of cardiac enzymes associated with heart attacks.

This trend poses serious health risks and should not be taken lightly. In conclusion, the dry scooping trend on TikTok may seem appealing to some, but it is undeniably dangerous. The lack of FDA regulation in pre-workout powders and the high caffeine content makes this practice a serious threat to one’s health. It is crucial to exercise caution and prioritize safety over the pursuit of social media popularity when encountering such trends online.