Tag: Cinnamon challenge

According to a study published in Pediatrics, inhaling a large amount of ground cinnamon can cause severe respiratory issues and damage due to its indigestible cellulose fibers. So, can too much cinnamon hurt your throat? The answer is a definitive yes, especially when the fine powder is accidentally inhaled.

The viral "cinnamon challenge" has graphically illustrated the immediate, choking dangers of eating a spoonful of cinnamon. This perilous internet trend has led to numerous emergency room visits and highlighted that, despite its potential benefits in small doses, ingesting a large, concentrated amount can have serious, adverse effects on the body.

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, calls related to intentional ingestion of cinnamon powder, often as part of the 'cinnamon challenge,' have spiked in recent years, with over 178 calls reported in the first six months of 2012 alone. While adding cinnamon to food is generally safe, the practice of eating cinnamon powder directly can be extremely dangerous and is not recommended.

Over one hundred calls were made to American poison control centers in the first three months of 2012 alone due to the viral 'cinnamon challenge'. While the stunt highlights the dangers, many are still unaware of the serious risks, including respiratory distress and liver toxicity, that occur when you eat raw cinnamon in large, dry quantities.

According to the European Food Safety Authority, the tolerable daily intake of coumarin, a compound found in some cinnamon, is approximately 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight. This critical fact highlights why understanding the symptoms of too much cinnamon is vital for those who consume it frequently, especially in supplement form or in large quantities, as excessive intake can lead to serious health issues.

The notorious 'cinnamon challenge' that gained viral popularity involved attempting to swallow a tablespoon of dry cinnamon in under a minute. However, as health experts have repeatedly warned, the risks involved are substantial, and understanding what happens if you eat a lot of cinnamon at once is crucial for your health.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, cinnamon is likely safe when consumed in amounts typically used for food flavoring. However, concerns arise when people consume raw cinnamon in larger quantities, especially regarding the levels of coumarin in the more common Cassia variety.