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Star Fruit Hurts Kidneys
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Kidney Health
This attractive, star-shaped yellow fruit is thought to have originated from a few small islands off the coast of Indonesia and was cultivated in Southeast Asia and Malaysia for centuries before spreading across the globe. (1) Now, star fruit is available in many forms in many countries but not everyone should incorporate them into their diet. Why? Because star fruit hurts kidneys.
Why Avoid Star Fruit with Kidney Problems
Kris Gunnar’s 2019 article, “ Star Fruit 101 — Is It Good For You?”, explains that star fruit is low in calories, high in vitamin C, and may help reduce inflammation, cholesterol, and risk of fatty liver. (2) With these benefits, why should someone with serious kidney problems avoid this fruit?
According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), star fruit contains a neurotoxin that can be fatal if ingested by anyone with kidney issues. Because they have decreased kidney function, they are unable to filter the toxin out of the body and may experience symptoms of hiccups, mental confusion, seizures, and even death. (3)
Commonly Asked Questions about Star Fruit
Q: What makes the Star Fruit so toxic?
A: Star fruit contains two molecules that make it toxic: oxalate and caramboxin. Oxalate’s negative effect on kidneys has been well documented, but caramboxin was only recently discovered. Caramboxin is thought to cause hyperexcitability in patient’s neurons, which explains why the symptoms include hiccups and seizures.(4)
Q: How fast would you feel the symptoms of star fruit poisoning?
A: The 2009 study, “Star fruit: simultaneous neurotoxic and nephrotoxic effects in people with previously normal renal function”, saw symptoms appearing anywhere from 3 to 8 hours after ingestion however, it varies depending on how much kidney function a person has. (5)
Q: How much star fruit does a person with kidney disease need to ingest to produce toxic effects?
A: The same study reported that, although many cases resulted from ingesting large quantities of star fruit or star fruit juice, 25ml of star fruit could be enough to cause nephrotoxicity. (5)
Q: How is star fruit poisoning treated in people with kidney problems?
A: Dialysis is almost always required for some amount of time. (4)
Q: Who is at risk?
A: People who have decreased kidney function are at the highest risk of star fruit poisoning. The scientists of the 2009 Study also stressed that people with normal kidney functions should avoid consuming large quantities of star fruit- especially when dehydrated or on an empty stomach. (5)
(1) Morton. J. Carambola: Averrhoa carambola. (1987). In Fruits of Warm Climates(pp. 125-128). Winterville, NC: Creative Resource Systems. doi:0-9610184-1-0
(2)Gunnars, K., BSc. (20109, January 23). Star Fruit 101 — Is It Good For You? Retrieved April 30, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/star-fruit-101
(3) NKF. (2016, July 19). Why You Should Avoid Eating Starfruit. Retrieved April 30, 2019, from https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/why-you-should-avoid-eating-starfruit
(4) Mehmeti, J., PharmD, MBA. (2017, November 22). Star Fruit: A Hiccup in the Management of Kidney Disease. Retrieved April 30, 2019, from https://www.pharmacytimes.com/contributor/jola-mehmeti-pharmd-mba-candidate-2018/2017/11/star-fruit-a-hiccup-in-the-management-of-kidney-disease
(5) Neto, M. M., Silva, G. E., Costa, R. S., Vieira Neto, O. M., Garcia-Cairasco, N., Lopes, N. P., … Dantas, M. (2009). Star fruit: simultaneous neurotoxic and nephrotoxic effects in people with previously normal renal function. NDT plus, 2(6), 485–488. doi:10.1093/ndtplus/sfp108
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