Danish medics warn against the risks of consuming fresh coconut water after a 69-year-old man died following the consumption of a rotten coconut. The man, who had bought the coconut a month prior, noticed a foul taste and discovered its slimy interior before suffering severe symptoms, including confusion and vomiting. Hospital scans revealed brain swelling due to a toxin from fungus found in the coconut. The case highlights the dangers associated with improperly stored coconut products and the serious health risks they can pose.
Research has long shown this species of fungus produces the toxic compound 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA), which causes severe brain damage.
The unidentified pensioner had bought the pre-prepared fruit-a popular choice at holiday resorts-a month earlier and left it on his kitchen table instead of refrigerating it.
An autopsy revealed he had fungus growing in his windpipe that medics initially mistook for a toxin called bongkrekic acid.
Despite being treated in intensive care for metabolic encephalopathy (ME), he was declared brain dead 26 hours after arriving at hospital.
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