Gymgoers beware! Trying 'Dry scooping' can prove fatal

A video of the crazy way of taking pre-workout powder has gone viral on social media. Gymoholics never fail to find ways to gain the most from their workout.

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A TikTok challenge was also widely accepted by many social media users, be it adults or teens last year. TikTok influencers find their way out to bring out such bizarre challenges. The dangerous viral trend among TikTok users was referred to as "dry scooping".

First thing first, what exactly is this dry scooping?

It is swallowing pre-workout supplement powder with a little gulp of water.

It has several potential health risks, some of which may be serious.

In this fact check, we will understand the risks of 'Dry scooping' trend.

Fact Check

NewsMeter ran a keyword search to find relevant studies and research evidence on the viral claim. We found multiple health articles and case studies warning Gym-goers about the dangerous outcomes of practicing dry scooping.

According to Healthline, most pre-workout powders are designed to be mixed with water. Taking them dry carries some potentially serious health risks. pre-workout powders are generally intended for people over the age of 18 due to high levels of caffeine — which can be dangerous if taken in excessive doses.

There are some major risks of dry scooping pre-workout powders like accidental inhalation, side effects on the heart and it may cause digestive issues.

We also found an article by Cleveland Clinics. In the article, researchers say the practice known as "dry scooping" qualifies as dangerous — and even potentially deadly.

Dry scooping essentially floods your system with caffeine with one swallow. Your blood pressure and heart rate may skyrocket as your body takes in the stimulant, particularly as you start exercising.

The jolt of caffeine which could be equivalent to three or more cups of coffee in an instant could lead to an irregular heartbeat, too. "That sort of rush can cause palpitations.

Reportedly, in April 2021, a 20-year-old tried dry scooping after seeing it touted on TikTok. He later posted a video on social media from her hospital bed saying she was treated for a heart attack.

American Academy of Pediatrics also presents research mentioning the downside of this method of taking the pre-workout powder. The research explains a quantitive analysis of dry scooping pre-workout powder.

Anything trending need not be true. Don't put your life in danger in FOMO or just try whatever social media serves you.

Analyze it, think about it, and then decide whether any trend is worth your life.

NewsMeter contacted Dr J Anish Anand, Consultant Internal Medicine, Apollo Hospitals. He said, "Dry scooping is swallowing pre-work-out supplement powder dry instead of mixing with water. This is done with the intention that taking it to dry helps it absorb better. This is however unsafe. The pre-workout powders have a lot of caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, arginine, branched amino acids etc. Large doses taken dry can cause a sudden increase in heart rates and high blood pressure. cause digestion problems like vomiting, and diarrhoea. Also, accidental inhalation and aspiration may be caused causing breathing issues."

"Most pre-workout powders are designed to be mixed with water. Taking them dry carries some potentially serious health risks. Dry scooping is a dangerous practice that comes with potential health risks, including heart palpitations, lung irritation or infection from accidental inhalation, and digestive issues. By adhering to label instructions, these can mostly be avoided. It's better to avoid these, especially for the younger population as they always come with some amount of chemicals and it will affect hormones for natural drinks like fruit juices or fruits as pre-workouts drinks," said Nutritionist Sujatha Stephen, Yashoda Hospital.

Hence, the claim is false. Dry scooping doesn't help the pre-workout powder to get absorbed faster rather causes some serious heart-related complications.