TikTok True or False is the answer to your burning questions about the health, beauty, and fitness fads taking over your social feeds. Each story breaks down a buzzy wellness trend with the help of experts and scientific research to uncover the truth and safety behind the viral "advice" you see online. You'll never have to wonder what's actually legit — or what to skip — again.
Is dry scooping safe?
FTR, while pre-workout alone isn’t a red flag, experts debate its safety because supplements aren’t strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. That said, when it comes to the efficacy and safety of dry scooping, the answer is a lot clearer. No.
The risks of dry scooping pre-workout include choking, trouble breathing, and aspiration, i.e. when a substance, such as food or a liquid, enters a person’s lungs, says Smith. (While aspiration can occur with other substances, it’s harder to avoid inadvertently inhaling a powder.) “Aspiration occurs when something, in this case, pre-workout powder, enters the airway. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which can have severe complications if not treated in a timely manner,” she explains.
In more severe cases, deciding to dry scoop pre-workout can even cause a heart attack, says Dr. Parisien. “Excessive absorption of caffeine may cause an abnormally elevated heart rate, which may result in irregular heart rhythms,” he explains. In at least one case, a TikToker admitted to landing in the hospital due to a heart attack after trying the dry scooping trend.
Consider this trend a hard pass, as the risks outweigh the potential benefits. Even TikTok appears to have acknowledged the potential dangers of dry scooping pre-workout since the trend went viral last year. Now, when you search for “dry scooping” on the app, you’re directed to a page that outlines how to make informed decisions before trying online challenges.
If you still want to add pre-workout to your fitness routine, check with a doctor first, and avoid dry scooping the powder.
