What really happens when you swallow chewing gum

Does it really stay in your body for seven years?

Chewing gum .jpg
Chewing gum .jpg
(Image credit: rex)

Does it really stay in your body for seven years?

Remember being told, probably when you were at school, that if you swallowed a piece of chewing gum it would stay in your body for seven years?

The news would have been delivered with grim authority by a classmate, possibly the same classmate who told you their brother had seen a UFO.

Article continues below

But is there any truth in it? Well, the American Chemical Society have investigated into the myth in the video below.

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.