Indian Boy Dies After Having Protein Shake In UK

After the death of an Indian-origin teen in the UK, a coroner has called for a health warning to be added to protein shakes.

A senior UK coronerhas called for a health warning to be added to protein shakes. This comes after the death of an Indian-origin teen. Rohan Godhania, 16, fell ill and passed away three days after drinking a protein shake in August 2020. 

Rohan’s father said he bought the protein drink for Rohan to build up his muscles. “We thought that rather than just nagging him, if he built up muscles in his shoulders he would stand a bit taller. He was fine with it and then late afternoon when we were having lunch, he said his tummy ached, He didn’t have anything else to eat and a little later he vomited a few times. Again, there was nothing concerning.” Rohan’s family began worrying the next day and rushed him to hospital. Rohan was put in intensive care (ICU). A CT scan found severe swelling in his brain. Neurologists told the family they could not operate as it would not be in Rohan’s best interests. Rohan passed away on 18 August, 2020. According to reports, the protein shake caused Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. OTC is a rare genetic condition that increases the level of Ammonia in the bloodstream to deadly levels. This same may have happened to Rohan. However, the cause of death could not be initially identified as his organs were donated for transplant. The individual who received the organs was also rushed to hospital for seizures a little over a year later.

During the proceedings, Coroner Tom Osborne called for health warnings to be added to protein drinks. Coroner Tom Osborne said that regulatory authorities should put some sort of warning on the packaging of these drinks because. Although OTC is a rare condition, it can have harmful effects if someone drinks [one] and it causes a protein spike.

Protein powders are derived from plants, rice, eggs, or milk.  Many people consider them as a necessary tool to get in shape. However, some experts say that protein powders can: 

  • Cause allergies

  • Upset your digestive system

  • Cause organ damage

  • Expose you to toxic chemicals

  • Cause obesity and

  • Even result in malnutrition

These shakes should be taken keeping in mind the person's physiology, age, diet etc. Also, before using any such supplements, you should consult your doctor or dietician. That is why if there is a warning about its use, it would be helpful in preventing deaths such as Rohan’s.

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