Too much of something always has repercussions. A boy died after ingesting what could be a handful of cinnamon.
Matthew Rader, 4, lives with his family in a Redmond, Kentucky, apartment. Like any curious little boy, he was vibrant and loved to play around. One day, on June 3, 2015, he decided to look into the kitchen cabinet. Climbing, he reached the spice rack, where he picked one, cinnamon, and ate some of it.
It didn't take long before he started choking. By the time his mother, Brianna, arrived, young Matthew was already developing something like a seizure. He was immediately brought to the emergency in the closest hospital. Unfortunately, the doctors weren't able to revive him, and he died less than two hours later.
His story is now being shared heavily by the media, and although it continues to hurt his family, especially his mother, Brianna is grateful for the attention if it means saving one more person from possible death.
In her Facebook post, she particularly called on the attention of those who loved to do or wish to do the Cinnamon Challenge in social media. A prank that began a couple of years ago, it involved eating a spoonful of cinnamon without drinking any water.
Based on the report of the doctor who attended to Matthew, the body had died of asphyxiation, which means his oxygen supply had been cut off, preventing him to breathe. Cinnamon can actually penetrate the lungs, causing the organ to become inflamed.
Cinnamon is a very popular spice found in many kitchens around the world. It is now sold as a bark, extract, or powder. Although it main uses is to add a different texture and flavor to food and drinks, some are also using it for medicine. Certain studies suggest it can help control blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and decrease systemic inflammation.
There's no ideal dose for cinnamon, but many adhere to half a teaspoon per day. When taken in large doses, it might become toxic.