This article is from The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my/)
URL: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/23/nation/21037893&sec=nation
KUALA LUMPUR: All it takes is one fruit or 100ml of its juice and the ordinarily harmless star fruit becomes poison in a matter of hours for kidney patients. University Malaya Medical Centre consultant nephrologist Prof Dr Tan Si-Yen said this was what had happened to Tang Gon Seang in China. The 66-year-old, who has been suffering from a kidney ailment, was in Shenzhen visiting his son when fell into a coma on March 29 after eating star fruits.
Star fruits contain a neurotoxin which is not present in other fruits. It affects the brain and nerves. In healthy persons, the kidneys filter it out. “In kidney patients, it cannot be removed and worsens their condition,” he said. More than 10 other patients in the hospital suffered the same condition after consuming star fruits.
URL: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/23/nation/21037893&sec=nation
KUALA LUMPUR: All it takes is one fruit or 100ml of its juice and the ordinarily harmless star fruit becomes poison in a matter of hours for kidney patients. University Malaya Medical Centre consultant nephrologist Prof Dr Tan Si-Yen said this was what had happened to Tang Gon Seang in China. The 66-year-old, who has been suffering from a kidney ailment, was in Shenzhen visiting his son when fell into a coma on March 29 after eating star fruits.
Star fruits contain a neurotoxin which is not present in other fruits. It affects the brain and nerves. In healthy persons, the kidneys filter it out. “In kidney patients, it cannot be removed and worsens their condition,” he said. More than 10 other patients in the hospital suffered the same condition after consuming star fruits.
The public must be alert to reactions to star fruit. Look out for initial symptoms including hiccups, numbness and weakness, and neurological symptoms including confusion, agitation and epileptic fits,” he said. “The risk of death is high,” he added.
