Ever Wonder…
If Swallowing Gum is Harmful?
Michelle Callender
Issue date: 1/28/09 Section: Health
by MICHELLE CALLENDER
COPY EDITOR
Does it really take seven years for gum to digest if swallowed? Not exactly. Gum is not digested nor does it stay in the stomach for years. Chewing gum is made out of am ingredient called gum resin, which is basically gum itself. The gum sits in the stomach until it is excreted in stool. There is no need to worry or tell children that they will be harmed unless a large amount of gum was swallowed which could block the digestive system, but such cases are extremely rare. Someway, somehow, the gum will find its way out!
COPY EDITOR
Does it really take seven years for gum to digest if swallowed? Not exactly. Gum is not digested nor does it stay in the stomach for years. Chewing gum is made out of am ingredient called gum resin, which is basically gum itself. The gum sits in the stomach until it is excreted in stool. There is no need to worry or tell children that they will be harmed unless a large amount of gum was swallowed which could block the digestive system, but such cases are extremely rare. Someway, somehow, the gum will find its way out!
Be the first to comment on this story