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Can the cinnamon challenge kill you?
An Internet meme with potentially risky consequences is sweeping the Web. The question is, can the brutal 'cinnamon challenge' be potentially fatal as well?
Fri, Feb 03 2012 at 12:22 PM
Photo: katrindell/iStockphoto
If someone can explain the appeal of the cinnamon challenge, can they clue in the rest of us? The dastardly dare that has the Internet aflutter involves the task of eating a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, without water, in less than a minute.
What could be so tough about consuming a mouthful of this innocuous-seeming spice? If cinnamon inspires thoughts of comforting apple pie and cozy cinnamon rolls, switch gears and consider Atomic Fireballs, Lava Hot Cinnamon Balls, and Hot Tamales. Cinnamon is potent, as evidenced by the reactions recorded in many a cinnamon-challenge YouTube video — coughing, choking, gagging, vomiting, crying, cursing and general signs of severe discomfort.
But all the panicked retching aside, can swallowing a mouthful of cinnamon be dangerous, or even deadly?
To understand the potency of cinnamon, ponder this: Cinnamaldehyde, the organic compound that gives the spice its distinctive flavor, is used as a pesticide and fungicide. It’s strong enough to kill little things, for heaven’s sake. The EPA warns of acute dermal toxicity; acute oral toxicity; eye irritation; dermal irritation and dermal sensitization. Granted, this is just a component of cinnamon used in concentration, but still, this demure seasoning clearly has a wicked side.
Related on MNN: A parent's guide to the cinnamon challenge
There are two species used in the ground cinnamon found in the spice aisle, Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Cassia is interesting in that it contains substantial amounts of coumarin. Coumarin is the parent compound of warfarin (known by its trademarked name, Coumadin), a medication used to keep blood from clotting. Coumarin is mighty powerful and can affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In people who are sensitive, coumarin might cause or worsen liver disease.
Due to concerns about the possible effects of coumarin, several years ago the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment warned against consuming large amounts of Cassia cinnamon.
And then there’s the burn. Parenting experts recommend keeping spices out of reach from children. One of the threats to children who play in the spice cabinet is cinnamon, which when ingested can cause severe burning of the mouth and throat, requiring immediate medical attention. The burning may be so severe that the child can suffer from swelling of the mouth or throat, blocking access to air and potentially leading to death.
Obviously infants aren’t participating in the dare, and it's highly doubtful we'll witness an infant cinnamon challenge trend, but it goes to show that cinnamon is a formidable flavoring. All one needs to see is a few “cinnamon challenge fail” videos on the Web to view the effect on teens and young adults when the powder is inhaled — which is pretty much inevitable following the gasps that occur upon the initial burning. Immediate coughing and choking are de rigeuer.
Also on MNN: 13 plants that could kill you
In many cases, the coughing is so severe that the challengee has difficulty catching his breath. For anyone suffering from asthma or COPD, this can be very serious. And in fact, ground cinnamon can lead to a bronchial constriction — according to the University of Michigan Health System — and that can be life threatening.
Cinnamon also contains as essential oil called cinnamal, which can act as an allergen in a fair amount of people. Those who are allergic to cinnamon can suffer from contact dermatitis — and according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cinnamon can also cause a severe allergic reaction that can lead to anaphylactic shock. We can only hope that someone who knows they are allergic to cinnamon would politely decline the challenge; but for someone who wasn’t aware of the existence or severity of an allergy, the results could be … challenging.
So, can the cinnamon challenge kill you? Although no accounts of death by cinnamon have been reported, there are indeed risks — and it seems only a matter of time until the challenge delivers a fatal blow to some unsuspecting teen.
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because MDs and the FDA know everything there is to know about chemicals and their effects on the human body.
"because MDs and the FDA know everything there is to know about chemicals and their effects on the human body."
Really? I'm an endocrinologist and I'll be the first to admit there is plenty I don't know about chemicals and their effect on the body. Psst...please don't tell anyone.
I'd never take this "challenge". If I just put a bit too much cinnamon in oatmeal, it's ruined, so I know from experience that a little cinnamon goes a long way.
I would bet this article leads to more people participating in this challenge
you put a spoonfull on the back of your tongue, do not inhale or you will choke on the powder, then down a cup of warm liquid. I used to do this daily, no harmful (or helpful) side affects. Cinnamon was suppose to help diabetics control blood sugar spikes .... it didn't so I don't take it anymore. I called it freebasing my cinnamon.
If you read the article part of "the challenge" is that no water or other liquids are allowed.
I can't imagine anyone doing this, but some people just have to try the latest stupid fad.
The problem is not with the toxins, but with the fact that cinnamon isn't water or saliva soluble. It just remains a powder, no matter how long you leave it on your tongue. Doesn't get moist or pasty. You inhale it. Some goes into your stomach, some into your lungs, but mostly, it just gets coughed back up.
I put cin in my coffee every day and it disolves just fine...
Cinnamon will NOT dissolve, it's WOOD . . .
Really? I put cinnamon in my coffee also & it DOESN'T dissolve. Things must be different in your universe.
You do realize that writing this article just publicized it more right? That will make more adventurous, albeit foolhardy kids try it. Plus, yes it is a stupid idea, but so is drunk driving, eating poorly, going skydiving, dropping acid. There are a lot more dangerous things kids could be doing. Sorry if you have a horror story about this challenge, but overall it isn't the worst thing they could be doing.
What does drinking and driving have to do with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When you put a story like this on this website its like you are wanting kids to die for good. Who in the world came up with this idea!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
how can you lump sky diving with drunk driving? might as well include crossing the street
Or dropping acid, for that matter.
Don't you love the fear mongering media?
Wow, who knew a simple topic like this could ignite such a firestorm. I'm glad I read about this before I was put up to the challenge. It was worth posting.
Coumarin is an aromatic compound while Coumadin is a nonaromatic compound derived from other plants used to decoagulate blood. This is a common misconception, consult any medical handbook and you'll find this out.
I use more cinnamon than that on my oatmeal every morning. I'd say the risks are over rated.
they are not saying cinnamon is bad over all, they are saying a load of cinnamon raw straight off the spoon is bad, there is a difference. how oftern do you inhale your oatmeal.
Inhale oatmeal...well everyday.....doesn't everyone?
LOL, I beat it twice!!! seriiously
no really go look it up on youtube
fist of all the cinnamon challenge was made up by a dumb person i maen you can kill you self by doing this that goes for children teenagers and adults! this tsp of cinnamon can ahve you choking non stop also dead! you think its funny you play it but when your lieing on the a hospital bed half dead you wont be laughing youll be saying why was i so dumb by doing this and why didnt i listen to the smart person typing this! think befoere you do.
its not that bad. you could choose to loose the challenge and get a glass of water if the coughing is bad. but hey, if your too scared...
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