TikTok has become a popular place for fitness advice, and one trend making waves is “dry scooping” pre-workout powders. These powders are normally meant to be mixed with water or juice and consumed before hitting the gym to boost performance. But before you try it out, here’s what you should know.
Pre-workout powders are supplements used by bodybuilders and weightlifters to enhance their energy and endurance during workouts. The trend of dry scooping—taking a scoop of powder dry and then washing it down with water—isn’t new but gained attention on TikTok. While most people don’t experience severe side effects, there have been a couple of alarming cases.
One TikTok user, Briatney Portillo, ended up in the hospital after trying it out and experiencing heart attack symptoms. Another user, @bagels4everr, struggled to breathe and needed an inhaler after dry scooping. These incidents highlight the potential dangers.
Pre-workout powders often include ingredients like caffeine, B vitamins, creatine, and amino acids designed to improve workout performance. The appeal of dry scooping is the idea of getting a quick, potent energy boost. However, there are serious risks involved.
Firstly, there’s the danger of choking, as seen in @bagels4everr’s video. Dry scooping can also cause dehydration, counteracting the energy boost you’re seeking. Additionally, there’s a risk of aspiration pneumonia if you accidentally inhale the powder, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing.
One of the biggest concerns is the high concentration of caffeine in pre-workout powders. Some scoops pack up to 250 milligrams of caffeine, almost triple the amount in a cup of coffee, which can be harmful to your heart.
These powders aren’t strictly regulated by the FDA, so the actual caffeine content might differ from what’s on the label. Taking in such large amounts of caffeine at once is risky, particularly for those with underlying heart issues.
Experts strongly advise against dry scooping pre-workout powders. Instead, it’s better to prepare for a workout by staying hydrated and eating healthy carbs while avoiding too much saturated fat and protein. After exercising, make sure to replenish your body with carbohydrates and proteins to help in muscle repair and growth.
