Doctor explains what happens to your body if you eat a silica gel packet everyone thought was 'literal poison'
With curiosity around food safety becoming more popular and TikTok trends having previously led to hospitalisations, understanding what everyday items do to the body has intrigued the minds of many.
With even coffee having its toxic limit on the body, a doctor has provided an answer to something that has haunted many of us growing up.
Anyone who has ever opened any kind of package has likely seen the small white packets inside.
Advert
They're called silica gel packets, and while they come with a bold 'DO NOT EAT' warning on the side, it seems few still understand their purpose or what happens if they're accidentally consumed.
DoctorYoun is a medical expert who runs a popular YouTube channel covering everything from trending cosmetic procedures to the effects of cold plunge therapy.
Now, he's addressing what happens if you eat a silica gel packet.
"What happens if you eat a silica gel packet that says 'do not eat'?" DoctorYoun started off in the video.
He went on to explain that these packets are 'put into shoe boxes, bags and pill containers' and are designed to 'absorb moisture' and prevent mould and spoilage in packaged goods.
The packets are filled with silicone beads which Dr. Youn says are 'technically harmless' if you swallow them, but it turns out the warning label has nothing to do with the beads' toxicity.
The real danger lies in the risk of choking from the packet.
"But if a dog or a child swallows a packet, they can choke on it," the doctor explained.
"So, technically eating one of these packets can lead to death."
The YouTuber is certainly putting viewers' fears to rest, as many held the long-held childhood belief that they could kill you if consumed.
"As a kid I thought it was literally poison and I would die if I had even a little bit, it was terrifying," one user replied.
"I literally didn't even want to touch these as a kid. I literally thought they were so poisonous," another added.
A third user commented: "I never knew I needed an answer to this until I saw this".
A fourth viewer claimed: "When you're too old to eat random things but still curious".
What to do if you ingest silica gel
According to WebMD, if you or your child accidentally swallows silica gel, it's important to 'drink plenty of water to help it pass through' and keep an eye out for any developing symptoms.
They advise seeking medical attention only if the beads are blue or pink, vomiting is persistent, you're experiencing stomach pain, or you're unable to pass stool.