Cinnamon challenge

Last updated

The cinnamon challenge involves consuming one spoonful of powdered cinnamon. Ground cinnamon.jpg
The cinnamon challenge involves consuming one spoonful of powdered cinnamon.

The cinnamon challenge is a food challenge that gained viral recognition on social media in the early 2010s. Participants generally film themselves attempting to eat a spoonful of ground cinnamon in under 60 seconds without drinking anything. [1] [2] [3] [4] The challenge is difficult and carries substantial health risks because the cinnamon can coat and dry the mouth and throat, possibly resulting in coughing, gagging, vomiting, and inhalation of cinnamon, which can in turn lead to throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and risk of pneumonia [1] or a collapsed lung. [5]

Contents

The challenge has been described online since 2001, and increased in popularity in 2007, peaking abruptly in January 2012 and falling off almost as sharply through the first half of that year, then tapering off almost to its previous level by 2014. [6] [ non-primary source needed ] By 2010, many people had posted videos of themselves attempting this challenge on YouTube and other social networking websites. [3] At the peak, Twitter mentions reached nearly 70,000 per day. [7] [8]

Health dangers

The stunt can be dangerous, as there is a risk of gagging or choking on the cinnamon, especially if it forms a clump and clogs one's airways. Accidental inhalation of cinnamon can seriously damage the lungs [3] by causing inflammation and leading to infection. [9] The usual result of this stunt is "a coughing, gagging fit involving clouds of cinnamon" which "leaves some people gasping for air". [9] Sometimes those performing the stunt may gag, choke or cough and accidentally exhale the cinnamon through their noses, coating their skin and mucous membranes in cinnamon. [10] As cinnamon is rich in the compound cinnamaldehyde that can irritate skin and tissues, [11] the challenge often results in considerable irritation, discomfort, burning, or itching of the affected nasal tissue and nostrils. Preclinical studies in rats have shown that the cellulose fibers which comprise cinnamon are also responsible for triggering allergic hypersensitivity reactions. [12] On YouTube, people have been seen "coughing, choking and lunging for water, usually as friends watch and laugh." [13] Vomiting is also known to have occurred. [13]

Cinnamon contains the chemical coumarin which is moderately toxic to the liver and kidney if ingested in large amounts. [14]

The cinnamon challenge can be life-threatening or fatal. [15] In the first three months of 2012, American poison control centers received over a hundred phone calls as a result of the cinnamon challenge. [1] A teenager in Michigan spent four days in a hospital after attempting the cinnamon challenge. [16] Pneumonia, inflammation and scarring of the lungs, and collapsed lungs are further risks. [12] [17] [5] [18]

The cinnamon challenge was aired on the twelfth series of the reality television show Big Brother UK , in which show participants were to ingest ground cinnamon without the aid of water. [19] [20] Radio programs have also aired segments of people performing this stunt, [21] [22] [23] and others in the public limelight have been reported as airing the stunt for public display, including NBA players Nick Young and JaVale McGee. [7] [24]

An excerpt from a cinnamon challenge video

Many people upload their cinnamon challenge to YouTube. Comedian Colleen Ballinger told The Wall Street Journal that she took the challenge in character as Miranda Sings, in 2012, to increase her YouTube traffic after hundreds of her fans had asked her to take the challenge. Her video received more than 2 million views, even though it is on a discontinued YouTube channel. [8] [25] Another comedian, GloZell Green, has attracted more than 59 million views with her cinnamon challenge video, in which she uses a soup ladle full of cinnamon instead of the usual tablespoon. [26] [27]

A large group attempt at the cinnamon challenge was held in 2012 at RMIT University in Australia and involved 64 participants in quick succession. [28] In a 2012 episode of the Discovery Channel series MythBusters , each member of the Build Team attempted the challenge. Kari Byron and Grant Imahara failed, while Tory Belleci completed it by tucking his spoonful into his cheek and letting saliva accumulate in his mouth until he could swallow. However, it took him more than 60 seconds to do so. [29]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinnamon</span> Spice from the inner tree bark of several members of genus Cinnamomum

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavouring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes, breakfast cereals, snack foods, bagels, teas, hot chocolate and traditional foods. The aroma and flavour of cinnamon derive from its essential oil and principal component, cinnamaldehyde, as well as numerous other constituents including eugenol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Choking</span> Mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the lungs

Choking, also known as foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), is a phenomenon that occurs when breathing is impeded by a blockage inside of the respiratory tract. An obstruction that prevents oxygen from entering the lungs results in oxygen deprivation. Although oxygen stored in the blood and lungs can keep a person alive for several minutes after breathing stops, choking often leads to death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abdominal thrusts</span> First aid procedure

Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver or Heimlich manoeuvre, is a first-aid procedure used to treat upper-airway obstructions by foreign objects. American doctor Henry Heimlich is often credited for its discovery. To perform abdominal thrusts, a rescuer stands behind a choking victim and uses their hands to apply pressure to the bottom of the victim's diaphragm. This compresses the lungs and exerts pressure on the object lodged in the trachea in an effort to expel it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cold medicine</span> Medication taken to relieve cold symptoms

Cold medicines are a group of medications taken individually or in combination as a treatment for the symptoms of the common cold and similar conditions of the upper respiratory tract. The term encompasses a broad array of drugs, including analgesics, antihistamines and decongestants, among many others. It also includes drugs which are marketed as cough suppressants or antitussives, but their effectiveness in reducing cough symptoms is unclear or minimal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fire breathing (circus act)</span> Using fuel to create fire from the mouth

Fire breathing is the act of making a plume or stream of fire by creating a precise mist of fuel from the mouth over an open flame. Regardless of the precautions taken, it is always a dangerous activity, but the proper technique and the correct fuel reduces the risk of injury or death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pulmonary aspiration</span> Entry of materials into the larynx (voice box) and lower respiratory tract

Pulmonary aspiration is the entry of material such as pharyngeal secretions, food or drink, or stomach contents from the oropharynx or gastrointestinal tract, into the larynx and lower respiratory tract, the portions of the respiratory system from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs. A person may inhale the material, or it may be delivered into the tracheobronchial tree during positive pressure ventilation. When pulmonary aspiration occurs during eating and drinking, the aspirated material is often colloquially referred to as "going down the wrong pipe".

<i>Fear Factor</i> Game show

Fear Factor is an American stunt/dare game show that first aired on NBC from 2001 to 2006 and was initially hosted by comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. The show was adapted by Endemol USA from the original Dutch series titled Now or Neverland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coumarin</span> Aromatic chemical compound

Coumarin or 2H-chromen-2-one is an aromatic organic chemical compound with formula C9H6O2. Its molecule can be described as a benzene molecule with two adjacent hydrogen atoms replaced by an unsaturated lactone ring −(CH)=(CH)−(C=O)−O−, forming a second six-membered heterocycle that shares two carbons with the benzene ring. It belongs to the benzopyrone chemical class and considered as a lactone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aspiration pneumonia</span> Medical condition

Aspiration pneumonia is a type of lung infection that is due to a relatively large amount of material from the stomach or mouth entering the lungs. Signs and symptoms often include fever and cough of relatively rapid onset. Complications may include lung abscess, acute respiratory distress syndrome, empyema, and parapneumonic effusion. Some include chemical induced inflammation of the lungs as a subtype, which occurs from acidic but non-infectious stomach contents entering the lungs.

Benzonatate, sold under the brand name Tessalon among others, is a medication that is used for the symptomatic relief of cough. A 2023 systematic review found that there is inadequate evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of benzonatate for cough and highlighted rising safety concerns. Benzonatate is taken by mouth. Effects generally begin within 20 minutes and last 3 to 8 hours.

Choke is a condition in horses in which the esophagus is blocked, usually by food material. Although the horse is still able to breathe, it is unable to swallow, and may become severely dehydrated. A secondary condition, aspiration pneumonia, may also develop if food material and saliva accumulate in the pharynx, spilling into the trachea and into the lungs. Choke is one of the "top 10" emergencies received by equine veterinarians.

<i>Cinnamomum osmophloeum</i> Species of tree

Cinnamomum osmophloeum, commonly known as pseudocinnamomum or indigenous cinnamon, is a medium-sized evergreen tree in the genus Cinnamomum. It is native to broad-leaved forests of central and northern Taiwan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saltine cracker challenge</span> Food challenge

The saltine cracker challenge or saltine challenge is a food challenge or competition in which a person has 60 seconds in which to eat six saltine soda crackers without drinking anything.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alcoholic lung disease</span> Human disease

Alcoholic lung disease is disease of the lungs caused by excessive alcohol. The term 'alcoholic lung disease' is not a generally accepted medical diagnosis, and "the association between alcohol abuse and acute lung injury remains largely unrecognized, even by lung researchers".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign body aspiration</span> Medical condition

Foreign body aspiration occurs when a foreign body enters the airway which can cause difficulty breathing or choking. Objects may reach the respiratory tract and the digestive tract from the mouth and nose, but when an object enters the respiratory tract it is termed aspiration. The foreign body can then become lodged in the trachea or further down the respiratory tract such as in a bronchus. Regardless of the type of object, any aspiration can be a life-threatening situation and requires timely recognition and action to minimize risk of complications. While advances have been made in management of this condition leading to significantly improved clinical outcomes, there were still 2,700 deaths resulting from foreign body aspiration in 2018. Approximately one child dies every five days due to choking on food in the United States, highlighting the need for improvements in education and prevention.

The condom challenges are two viral Internet challenges. The first is a challenge involving snorting a latex condom through one's nasal cavity and into the back of the throat; the second is a challenge where a water-filled condom is dropped onto a person's head, typically enveloping the head of the person taking part. Both variations carry a risk of choking and suffocating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fire challenge</span> Internet challenge

The fire challenge is an internet challenge which involves applying flammable liquids to one's body and then setting the liquids aflame, while being video recorded; the footage is then posted to social media sites. Firefighters, police officers and media sources have criticized and spoken out against the activity, hoping to dissuade individuals from trying it due to its harmful nature.

Food challenges, such as the gallon challenge or the saltine cracker challenge, are specific challenges or competitions involving food. Milk chugging is a popular competitive eating challenge on college campuses, and was promoted by MTV's Jackass in the early 2000s via their various food skits. Some challenges involve eating foods that may be considered disgusting by those taking the challenge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Consumption of Tide Pods</span> Hazardous practice and Internet meme

Like most detergent products, Tide Pods, a laundry detergent pod sold by Procter & Gamble (P&G) since 2012, can be deadly if ingested. Media reports have discussed how children and those with dementia could mistake laundry pods for candy and endanger their health or life by consuming them, and they were named an emerging health risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2012. Between 2012 and 2013, poison control centers reported over 7,000 cases of young children eating laundry pods, and ingestion of laundry pods produced by P&G had resulted in six deaths by 2017. In response to the dangers, P&G changed Tide Pod containers to an opaque design, introduced warning labels, and added a bitter-tasting chemical to the pod contents.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Healy, Melissa (March 28, 2012). "Teens' 'cinnamon challenge': Dangerous, not innocent". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  2. ↑ Shipman, Dustin (April 29, 2008). "'Dr. Food Science' mixes bananas and Sprite, conducts other questionable food experiments". The Joplin Globe . Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 Huget, Jennifer LaRue (April 5, 2010). "Swallowing cinnamon by the spoonful". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on June 27, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  4. ↑ Waxman, Matthew (August 25, 2005). "Milking the situation: To support Florida batboy, I try other food challenges". Sports Illustrated . Archived from the original on December 18, 2005. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  5. 1 2 ""Cinnamon challenge" dangerous to lungs, new report warns". CBS. April 22, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
  6. ↑ Google Insights for Search - Web Search Interest: "cinnamon challenge" - Worldwide, 204 - present, Google Insights for Search , accessed July 26, 2016
  7. 1 2 Kogod, Sarah (November 17, 2011). "Nick & JaVale's Cinnamon Challenge". NBC Washington 4. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  8. 1 2 Keates, Nancy. "Just a Spoonful of Cinnamon Makes the Internet Rounds", The Wall Street Journal , March 14, 2012
  9. 1 2 Painter, Kim. "Cinnamon challenge". USA Today . Archived from the original on February 25, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  10. ↑ Vohora, D.; Vohora, S.B. (2015). Safety Concerns for Herbal Drugs. CRC Press. p. 79. ISBN   978-1-4822-5662-8 . Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  11. ↑ Olsen RV, Andersen HH, Møller HG, Eskelund PW, Arendt-Nielsen L (2014). "Somatosensory and vasomotor manifestations of individual and combined stimulation of TRPM8 and TRPA1 using topical L-menthol and trans-cinnamaldehyde in healthy volunteers". European Journal of Pain. 18 (9): 1333–42. doi:10.1002/j.1532-2149.2014.494.x. PMID   24664788. S2CID   34286049.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. 1 2 Grant-Alfieri A, Schaechter J, Lipshultz SE (2013). "Ingesting and aspirating dry cinnamon by children and adolescents: the "cinnamon challenge"". Pediatrics. 131 (5): 833–5. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-3418. PMC   3639465 . PMID   23610205.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. 1 2 O'Connor, Anahad (April 22, 2013). "Consequences of the 'Cinnamon Challenge'". The New York Times . Archived from the original on November 7, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Coumarin in cinnamon and cinnamon-based products and risk of liver damage". ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  15. ↑ "Mom Pleads For End Of Cinnamon Challenge After Spice Kills Son". Medical Daily . June 9, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Michigan teen hospitalized after attempting 'cinnamon challenge'". Fox News. March 7, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Teens' 'cinnamon challenge': Dangerous, not innocent". Los Angeles Times. March 28, 2012.
  18. ↑ Ewing, Samara. "Cinnamon Challenge Game Has Serious Health Consequences". WUSA9. Archived from the original on April 25, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  19. ↑ Ledgerton, Selena (October 27, 2011). "Big Brother: Rave On". MSN TV (UK). Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  20. ↑ Fletcher, Alex (October 27, 2011). "Big Brother: Housemates set Cinnamon Challenge to win '90s rave". Digital Spy . Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Gulp A Tablespoon Of Cinnamon. "The Cinnamon Challenge"". KROQ Radio (CBS Radio). June 8, 2010. Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Dancing With the Stunts: The Cinnamon Challenge (Photos)". Mix Radio 104.1 (CBS Radio). Archived from the original on October 20, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  23. ↑ "DO NOT Do The Cinnamon Challenge!". US99 (CBS Radio). January 14, 2011. Archived from the original on August 30, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
  24. ↑ Steinberg, Dan (November 16, 2011). "Nick Young and JaVale McGee eat spoonfuls of cinnamon". The Washington Post . DC Sports Bog (blog). Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  25. ↑ Ballinger, Colleen. Cinnamon Challenge (Miranda Sings)", YouTube, February 2012, accessed May 1, 2016
  26. ↑ Green, Glozell. "The Cinnamon Challenge ... by GloZell and her Big Behind Earrings", YouTube, January 30, 2012, accessed May 27, 2016
  27. ↑ "YouTube Viewers Flock to Watch Quinn Take 'Cinnamon Challenge'". CBS Chicago. March 19, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  28. ↑ "RMIT Cinnamon Challenge". YouTube. 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  29. ↑ "Mythbusters Cinnamon Challenge", YouTube
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.