TikTok, love it or hate it, is a social media platform that has taken the world by storm. Many people visit the app to learn new kitchen tips, try out workout trends, or simply enjoy watching dance videos. But sometimes, trends on TikTok can be misleading and potentially dangerous. One such trend is the ‘dry scooping’ trend.
For those who frequent the gym, you may be familiar with protein powder. Typically, it is mixed with water or another liquid before consumption. However, the ‘dry scooping’ trend on TikTok has individuals skipping the liquid and consuming the powder directly. While it may seem like a time-saver, it is actually quite risky.
Just how dangerous is it? One young woman confessed to having a heart attack after trying the trend. Others have reported difficulty breathing when the dry powder enters their lungs. One of the main concerns with ‘dry scooping’ is the sudden influx of caffeine. Briatney Portillo, a 20-year-old woman, suffered a heart attack after trying the trend. She said, “After I took the pre-workout, I started to feel tingly and itchy all over my body, which wasn’t a good feeling… I thought it was maybe anxiety or a bad panic attack, so I decided to just ignore it and push through my workout.”
But things quickly escalated. Portillo became lightheaded, started sweating profusely, and experienced intense chest pain with pain radiating down her left arm. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack, she immediately called 911. It was a wake-up call for Portillo and serves as a warning to others.
One of the major issues with ‘dry scooping’ is the lack of knowledge about what exactly is being consumed. According to Dr. Jason Nagata, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, pre-workout powders like this are not regulated by the FDA. There is a real risk of these powders being laced with banned substances, stimulants, steroids, or other toxic ingredients. Using such substances can increase the risk of heart attacks, liver disease, and other serious medical complications.
Portillo wants to spread the word about the dangers of ‘dry scooping.’ She emphasizes that just because something is seen online, even if it’s being done by so-called “fitness influencers,” doesn’t mean it’s safe. We must be cautious about what we put into our bodies. Being young does not make us invincible.
So, let’s prioritize our health and safety, indulge in informed choices, and avoid dangerous trends like ‘dry scooping’.
