In a heartbreaking incident, a 16-year-old boy named Rohan Godhania from London lost his life after falling seriously ill after consuming a protein shake. According to a report by Metro, Rohan's father, Pushpa, revealed during the inquest that he had bought the protein shake for his son in an effort to help him gain muscle mass, as he was considered "quite skinny."
However, the protein shake led to the activation of a rare genetic condition called ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency in Rohan's body. This condition caused a breakdown of ammonia in his bloodstream, leading to dangerous levels that ultimately resulted in irreversible brain damage. Despite efforts to save him, Rohan tragically passed away three days later at West Middlesex Hospital.
The exact reason for Rohan's death initially remained a mystery, as his organs had been generously donated for transplantation purposes. However, a recent judicial inquiry shed light on the underlying cause, identifying the rare genetic condition OTC deficiency as the culprit.
In the wake of this devastating incident, Coroner Tom Osborne has called for protein shakes sold in supermarkets to carry essential health warnings. Osborne expressed his concern, stating his view regarding the need to put some sort of warning on these kinds of drinks. He emphasized that individuals with an over-the-counter (OTC) condition, although rare, may experience a protein spike if they consume protein drinks.
Rohan's parents, devastated by their son's untimely passing, testified during the emotional proceedings, painting a picture of a bright, gentle, reliable, and highly intelligent young boy. Rohan's father explained that he bought the protein shake with the intention of helping his son develop stronger muscles. Since Rohan was relatively thin, they believed that by encouraging muscle growth, he would gain more confidence and improve his posture. Instead of simply urging him to change, they saw building muscle in his shoulders as a way for him to feel more confident.
This tragic incident has sparked a call for increased awareness and potential safety measures surrounding the consumption of protein shakes, highlighting the importance of understanding potential health risks associated with certain genetic conditions.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/HN)
