Baking powder overdose Information | Mount Sinai

Sodium bicarbonate

Baking powder is a cooking product that helps batter rise. This article discusses the effects of swallowing a large amount of baking powder. Baking powder is considered nontoxic when it is used in cooking and baking. However, serious complications can occur from overdoses or allergic reactions.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose. If you have an overdose, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient

Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate (also found in baking soda) and an acid (such as cream of tartar). It may also contain cornstarch or a similar product to keep it from clumping.

Where Found

The above ingredients are used in baking powder. They may also be found in other products.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a baking powder overdose include:

• Thirst
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting (severe)
• Diarrhea (severe)

Home Care

Seek medical help right away. DO NOT make a person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to do so.

If the person can swallow, give them water or milk right away, unless a provider tells you not to. DO NOT give water or milk if the person has symptoms that make it hard to swallow. These include vomiting, having convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

• The person’s age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

The provider will measure and monitor the person’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The person may receive:

• Blood and urine tests
• ECG (electrocardiogram or heart rhythm tracing)
• Intravenous fluids (through a vein)
• Medicines to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome of a baking powder overdose depends on many factors, including:

• Amount of baking powder swallowed
• Person’s age, weight, and overall health
• Type of complications that develop

If nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are not controlled, serious dehydration and body chemical and mineral (electrolyte) imbalances may occur. These can cause heart rhythm disturbances.

Keep all household food items in their original containers and out of the reach of children. Any white powder may look like sugar to a child. This mix up could lead to accidental ingestion.

Thomas SHL. Poisoning. In: Ralston SH, Penman ID, Strachan MWJ, Hobson RP, eds. Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 7.

Last reviewed on: 5/17/2021

Reviewed by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Drinking baking soda: Dangers, benefits, and more

Some people drink baking soda for indigestion and other purposes, but drinking baking soda can be dangerous and is not suitable for long-term use, use during pregnancy, or use in children.

This information comes from the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a popular substance with a wide variety of uses. For indigestion, a person can purchase it as a powder and mix it into water.

Some people claim that drinking baking soda is generally beneficial for health. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this.

This article explores the dangers of drinking baking soda, as well as its potential benefits.

Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can neutralize excess stomach acid. In small amounts, it provides temporary relief from indigestion and works in a similar way to over-the-counter (OTC) indigestion remedies.

However, using large amounts of baking soda as a home remedy has some risks, including:

Poisoning

When using it in its powder form, it can be easy for a person to take too much baking soda. This can cause adverse effects, such as digestive discomfort.

In too large a dose, baking soda is also poisonous. This is due to the powder’s high sodium content.

When someone takes too much sodium bicarbonate, the body tries to correct the balance of salt by drawing water into the digestive system. This causes diarrhea and vomiting.

If the body absorbs the sodium, it can cause:

• dehydration
• seizures
• kidney failure
• slow, shallow breathing

If a person has taken a large amount of baking soda and is experiencing any symptoms of poisoning, someone needs to call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.

Ruptured stomach

In addition to poisoning, taking large amounts of baking soda can also rupture the stomach.

When baking soda mixes with an acid, a chemical reaction takes place. A byproduct of this reaction is the release of gas.

The National Capital Poison Center (NCPC) warn that if a person consumes too much baking soda at once, a large amount of gas may accumulate in the stomach, causing it to rupture. This is more likely after a person has consumed a large amount of food or alcohol.

Toxicity in children

A parent or caregiver should not give baking soda or any medications containing sodium bicarbonate to a child.

If a parent or caregiver finds a child consuming baking soda, the Missouri Poison Center recommend:

• remaining calm
• wiping any excess baking soda from the mouth with a soft, wet cloth
• removing as much as possible from the inside of the mouth
• giving the child water to drink
• contacting the local poison control center

If a parent or caregiver is not sure if a child has swallowed any baking soda, they can look for early symptoms of an overdose, such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Interference with medications

The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research say that baking soda can affect how the body absorbs medications. Depending on the medication a person takes, this could cause a wide range of adverse effects.

Adults who are not pregnant can mix about half a teaspoon (tsp) of baking soda with at least half a cup of water to relieve temporary indigestion.

However, the NCPC recommend using OTC indigestion products, such as Tums, rather than making at-home remedies. This lowers the risk of overdosing.

When it is not possible to purchase an OTC product, using baking soda is a potential short-term alternative. However, it is important to speak with a doctor before trying this.

People who are pregnant, who take other medications, or who have underlying health conditions should talk with a doctor before taking even a small dose of baking soda.

People should not use sodium bicarbonate for longer than 2 weeks at a time. If their symptoms persist for longer than this, it may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical treatment.

Baking soda contains sodium, which, in high amounts, can affect the heart.

One 2016 case study notes that overdosing on baking soda has caused heart arrhythmias for some individuals.

There have also been cases of baking soda overdoses causing cardiac arrest. This occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood, which can be fatal.

However, although scientists know that taking too much baking soda is harmful for the cardiovascular system, it is unclear whether or not it raises the risk of a heart attack.

People with cardiovascular disease and those who need to avoid salt for medical reasons should avoid using baking soda or sodium bicarbonate.

Baking soda, as well as OTC antacids, can temporarily relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers. However, antacids are not a cure for stomach ulcers.

This is because stomach ulcers are most often a result of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, or Helicobacter pylori, which is a type of bacteria.

For ulcers due to NSAID use, people may need to lower or stop NSAID use. For ulcers due to H. pylori, a person may require antibiotics.

Antacids, including baking soda, can prevent antibiotics from working. While a person receives ulcer treatment, a doctor can prescribe other drugs — such as proton pump inhibitors — to reduce stomach ulcer symptoms and allow the ulcer to heal.

The primary benefit of drinking baking soda is for the temporary relief of indigestion or heartburn. There is also evidence to suggest that it may reduce muscle fatigue during athletic training.

One 2020 meta-analysis found that sodium bicarbonate supplementation does improve muscle endurance but not muscle strength. This was true for participants who took sodium bicarbonate in both resting and fatigued states.

A randomized, double-blind study from 2017 also found evidence to suggest that sodium bicarbonate improved performance among trained runners. However, the study was small, and almost all the participants were male.

People should not use sodium bicarbonate for fitness or health purposes without the supervision of a doctor.

Occasionally drinking baking soda to help with indigestion or heartburn can be a safe home remedy for some adults.

However, this is not safe during pregnancy, in children, or over long periods of time. It also cannot treat conditions that cause heartburn, such as stomach ulcers.

In general, it is best to use OTC indigestion remedies, as there is a lower risk of overdose. When this is not possible, however, a person can mix half a tsp of baking soda into at least half a cup of water. That said, they should be sure to discuss this with a doctor first.

If a person takes too much baking soda, someone needs to call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.

Why you need baking powder – Fur coat

Recipe

931

Nutritional value per 100 g

kcal per 100 g

53

Carbohydrates It is a mixture of a carbonate or bicarbonate and a weak acid. Essentially, it’s mixing baking soda and acid. But commercial baking powder works faster than if you add citric acid or vinegar mixed with baking soda to your dishes. The base and acid prevent premature reaction due to cornstarch. Baking powder is used to increase volume and lighten the consistency of baked goods. The baking powder releases carbon dioxide into the dough through an acid-base reaction, causing the bubbles in the wet mixture to expand and thin the mixture. The first single-use baking powder was developed by food manufacturer Alfred Bird in England in 1843. The first double acting baking powder, releasing some carbon dioxide during moistening and later releasing more gas when heated in baking, was first developed by Eben Norton Horsford in the USA in the 1860s.

Benefits of baking powder

Baking powder contains no proteins or fats, it is almost pure carbohydrate. It contains several vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which support healthy bones, nails, and teeth. There are no studies on the benefits of baking powder, but there are some potential benefits associated with baking soda. It can help with kidney disease. Researchers have found that sodium bicarbonate supplementation improves muscle endurance in both small and large muscle groups. In addition, baking soda will help clean fruits and vegetables from pesticides. Side effects of baking powder overdose include thirst, abdominal pain, nausea, severe vomiting, and diarrhea. If a person has overdosed on baking powder, seek immediate medical attention. Baking powder contains a lot of sodium, one teaspoon contains more than 10% of the daily value. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor about using baking powder.

What is the energy value of baking powder

100 grams of baking powder contains:

• Calories (cal) 53
• Fat 0 g
• 0 g
• Cholesterol 0 mg
• Sodium 10600 mg
• Potassium 20 mg
• Carbohydrates 28 g
• Dietary fiber 0.2 g
• Sugar 0 g
• Protein 0 g

What to cook with baking powder

900 03 Baking powder is added to dishes that do not use yeast. Cook pies, rolls, mannas, cookies, cakes, muffins, muffins, pancakes and biscuits with it. Of course, you can replace the commercial baking powder with a mixture of baking soda and an acid (like vinegar or citric acid), but if the recipe calls for baking powder, don’t ignore it.

When to buy baking powder

Baking powder is available in stores throughout the year.

Nutrition and Health Benefits – Drink-Drink

Contents

• Baking Powder Nutrition Facts
  • Baking Powder Nutrition Facts
  • Carbohydrates
  • Fat
  • Protein
  • Vitamins and minerals
• Health benefits Health
  • May improve kidney function
  • May promote oral health
  • May increase exercise performance
  • May activate anti-inflammatory pathways
  • Cleanses fruits and vegetables
• Allergies
• Side effects

900 42 Food storage and safety

• Recipes
  • Health baking powder recipes Worth Trying

Baking powder is a type of chemical starter, meaning that it releases gas during the cooking process to raise the baked goods. Made from sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and acid, baking powder only requires moisture for the chemical reaction. In baked goods that do not require yeast, such as cakes, muffins, and quick breads, baking soda plays a role in creating a light and crumbly texture.

Most baking soda sold in stores is called “double action”, indicating a two-step process. The first reaction occurs when the baking powder dissolves into the liquid, forming a batter. The second reaction occurs during the heating process. Both reactions contribute to a light and flexible baked product.

Baking Powder Nutrition Facts

The following nutritional information is provided by the USDA for 1 teaspoon (4.6 g) of Dual Action Baking Powder.

Baking Powder Nutrition Facts

• Calories : 2.4
• Fat : 0g
• Sodium : 363 mg
• carbohydrates : 1.1g
• fiber : 0g
• Sugars : 0g
• Protein : 0g

Carbohydrates

Baking powder contains 2. 4 calories and just over 1 gram of carbohydrates in one teaspoon. Carbohydrates come from natural starch in baking powder.

Fats

There is no fat in the baking powder.

Protein

Baking powder does not contain protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Baking powder contains several vitamins and minerals. One teaspoon of baking soda contains 339 mg of calcium (about 33% of the Daily Value) and 456 mg of phosphorus (about 60% of the Daily Value). Both calcium and phosphorus play an important role in maintaining healthy bones, nails, and teeth.

Health Benefits

No studies on the benefits of baking powder, but there are some potential benefits associated with baking soda. The baking powder contains baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and acid. Although these results were not obtained directly from baking powder, some assumptions can be made based on the study of baking soda.

May improve kidney function

Sodium bicarbonate has been studied for its role in maintaining kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease. In a pilot study in 194 people with chronic kidney disease, the effects of taking two additional doses of sodium bicarbonate for 28 weeks were observed.

Results showed a decrease in urinary ammonium excretion, a marker of kidney disease. The authors of the study concluded that studying the effect of sodium bicarbonate on chronic kidney disease requires further research.

May promote oral health

Because of its alkaline nature, sodium bicarbonate has many uses in dentistry. Because it neutralizes the acid in the mouth, its role in preventing caries and tooth erosion on the enamel surface has been studied. It is also a powerful denture cleanser that can even prevent bad breath.

May improve exercise performance

Several studies have observed the effects of sodium bicarbonate on physical performance with mixed results. A review of thirteen studies examined the effects of sodium bicarbonate on muscle endurance and muscle strength.

Researchers have found that sodium bicarbonate supplementation improves muscle endurance in both small and large muscle groups. However, the addition of sodium bicarbonate did not appear to affect muscle strength. Clearly, more research is needed on this topic.

May activate anti-inflammatory pathways

A small animal study examined the role of a baking soda drink in stimulating anti-inflammatory cells in the body. The authors of the study believe that eating baking soda causes the spleen, part of the immune system, to switch from producing inflammatory cells to being anti-inflammatory. The authors of the study believe it may play a role in regulating autoimmune diseases, but more human studies are needed.

Cleanses fruits and vegetables

One study examined the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate in removing pesticide residue from apples. A study found that rinsing with sodium bicarbonate removed some of the pesticide residue from the apple peel, but not those found deeper in the fruit. However, the USDA recommends washing fresh fruits and vegetables only under cold running water.