We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.
Dry scooping is the term for eating pre-workout powder without water. It is currently a social media trend, but it may be linked to heart attacks. It can also cause choking and breathing problems.
When people take powdered pre-workout supplements without diluting them with water, they receive a concentrated dose of the ingredients in a short space of time. In large amounts, these ingredients which typically include caffeine, creatine, and beta-alanine may affect the heart.
Consuming large doses of caffeine can cause chest pain, a fast heart rate, and other harmful effects.
Keep reading to learn about the link between dry scooping and heart attacks, the other risks of this practice, and more.
Dry scooping is a recent trend that has grown in popularity on the social media platform TikTok.
Ordinarily, people take pre-workout supplements by mixing a scoop of the powder with water. Dry scooping involves swallowing a scoop of powder without mixing it with water.
This delivers a large dose of the supplement in just a few seconds, which proponents of the practice claim can give faster and better effects. However, it can actually be highly dangerous.
Manufacturers of the supplements advise mixing the powder with water and taking it 3060 minutes before exercising. Therefore, dry scooping is an inappropriate use of the supplements.
Dry scooping has the potential to cause heart attacks. According to the National Capital Poison Center (NCPC), some people who have engaged in the practice have experienced significant adverse effects that include heart problems.
Pre-workout supplements aim to give a person a burst of energy before exercise, and they usually contain large doses of caffeine. Delivering such a concentrated dose of caffeine may result in chest pain, increased heart rate, and other heart problems.
A study that the authors presented at the 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition supports the NCPCs statements about dry scoopings dangers. The researchers note the potential for accidental overconsumption, inhalation, and injury.
According to a 2018 study, drinking more than 3 cups of coffee per day was associated with higher rates of heart attacks in males. This amount of coffee equates to about 276 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, and a recent study found that various commercial pre-workout powders contain 91387 mg of caffeine. For example, one popular supplement powder contains 300 mg per scoop.
Pre-workout supplements carry risks when people dry scoop them alone. However, the dangers increase when they dry scoop them with other substances.
Taking any supplement even according to package instructions can come with risks.
The risks of dry scooping include:
Additionally, the NCPC notes that some pre-workout products have two to three times the amount of caffeine that is in a cup of coffee.
A caffeine overdose can cause:
If a person has underlying heart disease or lung disease, they are especially at risk of these effects. They may not be aware that they have an underlying condition until they experience a cardiac event.
Sometimes, people combine the pre-workout powder with other substances, such as energy drinks or alcohol. This practice adds to the risks.
Energy drinks often contain large doses of caffeine. Taking them with pre-workout supplements, which also contain caffeine, increases the likelihood of a caffeine overdose.
Combining the powder with alcohol involves different risks. Caffeine from the pre-workout supplement can mask alcohols depressant effects, causing a person to consume more. This could put a person at risk of alcohol-induced impairments.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not closely regulate dietary supplements.
Consequently, many of them may have potentially harmful unlisted ingredients. According to a 2017 study, many ingredients have not undergone testing for safety and effectiveness.
Pre-workout supplements pose a danger to health even if a person does not dry scoop them, warn the study authors. There have been reports of stroke, heart attack, hepatitis, and death after taking such supplements.
The dangers stem from several common ingredients. Aside from caffeine, these include beta-phenethylamine and creatine-monophosphate.
These substances can cause:
Consuming too much caffeine at once can result in various side effects, such as:
If the dose of caffeine is large enough, it can produce very serious effects, such as:
Before taking a pre-workout or other dietary supplement, a person should contact a doctor. This is especially important if the person has an underlying health condition, particularly if it affects the heart or lungs.
Some supplements interfere with medications. Others may contain ingredients that are not advisable for people with certain conditions to take, even in small dosages.
If a doctor approves a pre-workout supplement, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions when taking it. People should never dilute it with less water or take a larger dosage than the recommended amount.
The NCPC clearly states that dry scooping can be dangerous and may cause heart attacks. Research has linked supplements to serious health events even when a person does not dry scoop them, and this practice increases their effects.
Anyone who experiences any of the more serious effects of dry scooping, such as chest pain or seizures, should seek immediate medical treatment.
According to the NCPC, there is a connection between dry scooping pre-workout supplements and heart attacks.
As caffeine is a common ingredient, a person may ingest too much of it at once when they take the supplement without diluting it in water. Large dosages of caffeine cause adverse effects that may lead to a heart attack, seizures, and respiratory failure.
Given the serious nature of the dangers, it is best to refrain from dry scooping.
Follow this link:
Dry scooping trend: Can it cause heart attacks? - Medical News Today
- Creatine and Caffeine: Benefits, Risks, Dosage - Health.com - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- Fiber Supplements Are Once Again Popular But Pick The Right One | mindbodygreen - mindbodygreen - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- The Ministry of Health Warns the Public Against Use of Food Supplements Manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical ... - Gov.il - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- Study: Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements May Reduce Cancer Risk - Prevention Magazine - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Magnesium for Sleep: The Best Type, When to Take It and More - Good Housekeeping - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Food ingredients drive growth in beauty supplements - IngredientsNetwork.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Best Ozempic Weight Loss Alternative Supplements Money Can Buy (Top OTC Semaglutide Alternatives) - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Can Fiber Help with Ozempic, Wegovy Side Effects? - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Vitamin B12 and Magnesium: Benefits, Risks, Dosage - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Taking a Daily Fiber Supplement Might Help Boost Brain Function in Older Adults - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Moringa: Benefits, Side Effects And Risks Forbes Health - Forbes - October 22nd, 2023 [October 22nd, 2023]
- What to Know About California's New Law Banning Food Additives ... - Smithsonian Magazine - October 18th, 2023 [October 18th, 2023]
- How to Treat Iron Deficiency - The New York Times - October 18th, 2023 [October 18th, 2023]
- The Importance of Micronutrients for Optimal Health - Everyday Health - September 11th, 2023 [September 11th, 2023]
- How can companies stand out in the immune health category in 2023? - Nutritional Outlook - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Kemin's BetaVia Pure immune and gut health ingredient gains ... - Nutritional Outlook - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Steadfast Nutrition expands its portfolio with four supplements - Asia Food Journal - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Martyn Ford Reveals Food & Supplements of 10000 Calorie Diet for ... - Fitness Volt - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Nutrition & Longevity Experts Love This Metabolism Supplement ... - mindbodygreen - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Ric Flair Reveals Diet, Training & Supplements to Stay Jacked at 74 ... - Fitness Volt - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- ADM licenses gut-health ingredient from Gnubiotics for pet food ... - Nutritional Outlook - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Global Sorbitol Market Report 2023: Increasing Demand for Non-medical Dietary Supplements Drives Growth - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: What They Are and How To Get the Most Out of Them - Health Essentials - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Six of the Best... food, treats & supplements - Dogs Today Magazine - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 9 Anti-Inflammatory Supplements Backed By Science Forbes Health - Forbes - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Dietary Supplements Market Size to Reach Globally with Growing ... - Digital Journal - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- These 11 Vegan Vitamins Are Made With Fruits and Vegetables - VegNews - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Hemptown's Kirkman Subsidiary Named One of the 50 Most Admired Companies to Watch in 2023 - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- What is biotin? Foods to eat and if you should take it every day - USA TODAY - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Best vitamins to be taking as seasons change, according to health expert - Daily Record - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- KITTEN YOGA RETURNS TO EAST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARY ... - Jefferson Parish - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 8 Best Fiber Supplements of 2023, Tested by Experts - Good Housekeeping - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- FDA Passes the Buck (Back) to Congress for Legislative Solution on ... - JD Supra - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- The Wellness Trap: Break Free from Diet Culture, Disinformation, and Dubious Diagnoses, and Find Your True Well-Being - Next Big Idea Club Magazine - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Fruit And Vegetable Supplements: A 2023 Guide Forbes Health - Forbes - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- FDA: SARMs not worth the health risk 'for a few extra likes' - NutraIngredients-usa.com - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Are Melatonin Gummies Safe? Here's What (Kinda Scary) New Research Says - POPSUGAR - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New paper discusses the rationale for proprietary blends in ... - Nutritional Outlook - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- The Best Brain Supplements For Cognitive Health Forbes Health - Forbes - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Protein powders: Are they bad for your health? - BBC - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New Regulation on Turkish Food Codex Nutrition Claims Has Just ... - Lexology - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Selenium: Benefits, Side Effects, and More - Verywell Health - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- FDA Warns of Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators ... - FDA.gov - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Probiotic supplements may do the opposite of boosting Gut Health ... - WholeFoods Magazine - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Do hangover supplements actually work? - Nutritional Outlook - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Common Sense Health: Fish oil is the superhero of supplements - The Independent - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Red yeast rice nutritional supplements health benefits, risks ... - Chicago Sun-Times - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- From forest to fork - All About Feed - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Could Certain Foods Help With Hot Flashes? - The New York Times - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Consumer interest in cognitive, immune health rising - Food Business News - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- 15 Best Vitamin Brands of 2022: A Dietitians Picks - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Dietary supplements for weight loss - Mayo Clinic - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Emergency Food Supplements | DSHS - Washington - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Guidance & Regulation (Food and Dietary Supplements) | FDA - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- Food Labeling & Nutrition | FDA - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- Health & Food Supplements Information Service - HSIS - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Food Security Community Food Security Coalition - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Expert Voices: Diet and Nutrition for People With Parkinson's... - Parkinson's News Today - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The regulatory state of play of the sports and active nutrition sector - NutraIngredients.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The Digestive Health Supplements Market Is Set To Grow At A More Than 9% Rate Due To Rising Cases Of Digestive Diseases As Per The Business Research... - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- FSAI highlights incidents, recalls and fraud in its annual report - Food Safety News - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Global Cannabidiol Legalization Trend to Shape the CBD Market's Future Growth - PR Newswire - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The FoodNavigator Podcast: Mood food for mental wellbeing how can the industry capitalise? - FoodNavigator.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- 6 Ways to Find Relief from Your Menopause Symptoms - Health Essentials - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- NutraCast: How amendments in the 2023 Farm Bill could shape the hemp industry - NutraIngredients-usa.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- South Korea starts year-long inspection of probiotics imported from US, Europe - NutraIngredients-Asia - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Nveda employs a variety of dietary supplements made of natural ingredients for a fit and healthy life - The Hindu - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Vitamin C Market to See Healthy Growth of USD 1,899.69 Million with Excellent Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.60% by 2029, Size, Opportunities,... - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Global Microalgae Market to Reach $1.3 Billion by 2027 - GlobeNewswire - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Dietary supplements that are safe to take, which to avoid: experts - Insider - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- 6 Best Fiber Supplements That Will Keep Your Gut Happy - CNET - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Do You Actually Need To Take A Multivitamin? The Answer May Surprise You - The Zoe Report - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Global overview for probiotics: Trends, markets, and harmonization - Regulatory Focus - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Combining Your Medication With This May Have "Life-Threatening Effects" - Best Life - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Aroma-Zone opens a new store in Paris and prepares to grow abroad - Premium beauty - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Fertility Supplements And Vitamins For Women: What You Need To Know - Forbes - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- ITA offers webinar focusing on supplements and informed decision-making (part 1) - IHF - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Awards recognize the latest innovative pet food products - Pet Food Processing - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- On-mind and on-trend: formulating products for cognitive well-being - Nutraceutical Business Review - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- The #1 Sign You're Taking "Too Many Vitamins" Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]