Many myths surround chewing gum, the most common being that it stays in the stomach for seven years if swallowed. Is this claim scientifically accurate?
The base : an insoluble substance that gives the gum its elasticity and ability to be chewed for a long time. It is the main component made from a mixture of natural and synthetic polymers, and is not digested by the body.
Sweeteners : give the gum a sweet taste.
Flavors : They add a diverse taste.
Stabilizers and colorants : maintain the shape and color of the gum.
When chewing gum is swallowed, it reaches the stomach like any other food. Although the base is not digested by gastric juices or enzymes, the gum doesn't stay in the body forever. It passes through the digestive system largely unchanged and is usually excreted with feces within one to three days.
How dangerous is swallowing chewing gum?
Swallowing a single piece of gum usually doesn't pose a health risk. However, there are exceptions:
Young children : Swallowing large objects can lead to intestinal obstruction due to the small size of their digestive system.
Multiple quantities : Swallowing several pieces of gum in a short time may cause intestinal obstruction, especially in people with digestive disorders.
Chewing gum should not be given to young children.
It is advisable to discard chewing gum when it loses its flavor to avoid accidentally swallowing it.
