OVERVIEW

What is lychee sickness?

Lychee sickness, also known as acute lychee poisoning, is a sudden onset of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) after consuming large quantities of lychees. Patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, pale complexion, hunger, and cold sweats. In severe cases, convulsions, irregular breathing, or even sudden coma may occur.

Lychee sickness most commonly affects children, often occurring when they skip dinner or eat very little but consume large amounts of lychees in the evening or at night.

The toxic components and poisoning mechanism are not yet fully understood. Current medical research suggests that α-methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG) in lychees has a blood sugar-lowering effect. Consuming large quantities of fresh lychees on an empty stomach can suppress appetite, leading to insufficient intake of other foods and calories, resulting in sudden hypoglycemia—lychee sickness. Early glucose supplementation can prevent the progression of lychee sickness.

SYMPTOMS

What are the common symptoms of litchi sickness?

Litchi sickness primarily manifests as hypoglycemia symptoms:

• Often occurs at night, with profuse sweating and cold, clammy limbs.

• Slowed reactions, even coma or convulsions.

• Normal or slightly elevated body temperature, occasionally with high fever.

• Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting.

• Dizziness, palpitations, hunger, fatigue, and weakness.

What serious consequences can litchi sickness cause?

Litchi sickness can lead to sudden hypoglycemia. If not treated promptly, it may result in severe consequences such as convulsions, coma, or even life-threatening conditions.

CAUSES

What is the cause of litchi sickness?

Litchi sickness has recurred for many years, but its cause remains unclear. Although many cases are reported annually, the incidence rate is relatively low compared to the local total population and the number of people consuming litchi.

Many speculate it is related to the fructose in litchi. However, litchi also contains a considerable amount of glucose. Additionally, beverages often contain large amounts of fructose without causing hypoglycemia. Therefore, the claim that litchi's fructose leads to hypoglycemia is difficult to support.

Recent studies suggest that hypoglycemia after consuming litchi is likely linked to hypoglycin A and α-methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG). Although other possibilities cannot yet be entirely ruled out.

These two toxins are present in higher concentrations in unripe litchi, which requires attention.

DIAGNOSIS

How is lychee disease diagnosed?

Lychee disease most commonly occurs in children, often when they skip dinner or eat very little, but consume a large amount of lychees in the evening or at night.

Diagnosis of lychee disease primarily relies on the patient's blood sugar levels and their condition before the onset of symptoms, such as whether they consumed a large quantity of lychees on an empty stomach. If lychee disease is suspected, the patient should be sent to the hospital immediately. Lychee disease must be differentiated from other hypoglycemic disorders.

However, lychee disease is an acute condition that can lead to death within a short period or irreversible neurological damage. If lychee disease is suspected, emergency treatment should be initiated immediately rather than waiting for a definitive diagnosis. Therefore, standardized treatment should often be provided in the emergency department, which may require support from neurologists.

TREATMENT

Which department should patients with litchi disease go to?

Emergency department.

How to treat litchi disease?

Once symptoms of acute hypoglycemia appear and litchi disease is suspected, glucose should be taken orally immediately, and intravenous glucose solution should be administered if necessary.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

How to Avoid Lychee Disease? What Should Be Noted in Daily Life and Diet to Prevent Lychee Disease?

Low blood sugar reactions (lychee disease) are most likely to occur when consuming lychees on an empty stomach, eating large quantities of lychees, or not consuming staple foods afterward. Therefore, in daily life, excessive consumption of lychees should be avoided, and adequate intake of staple foods should be ensured. This reduces the likelihood of developing lychee disease.

If discomfort occurs after consuming a large amount of lychees, sugar intake (such as drinking sugar water) should be replenished immediately to prevent hypoglycemia.

PREVENTION

Can lychee sickness be prevented? How to prevent lychee sickness?

Lychee sickness can be prevented by reducing lychee intake. Avoid consuming large quantities of lychees on an empty stomach or when eating little staple food. Lychee consumption should also be limited—adults should not exceed 300 grams per day, while children should consume even less, typically no more than 5 lychees. Prompt sugar supplementation can help prevent the onset and progression of lychee sickness.