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A case of Kombucha tea toxicity
Alison SungHee Kole1, Heather D Jones, Russell Christensen
1Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pharmacy Services, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA. alison.kole@cshs.org
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine
|May 23, 2009
Summary
Kombucha tea, believed to be healthy, may cause severe lactic acidosis and organ failure. This case report highlights serious health risks associated with its consumption.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Kombucha tea, a fermented beverage, is often promoted for its health benefits.
- This report details a severe adverse event following Kombucha consumption.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male with newly diagnosed HIV presented with hyperthermia and shortness of breath 12 hours after drinking Kombucha tea.
- The patient developed confusion, requiring intubation, and presented with lactic acidosis and acute renal failure.
Findings:
- Laboratory results indicated a lactate level of 12.9 mmol/L and serum creatinine of 2.1 mg/dL.
- Kombucha is a black tea fermented with yeast and bacteria, and similar adverse events have been reported.
Implications:
- Despite its reputation as a health elixir, Kombucha tea consumption may pose significant health risks.
- The potential for life-threatening lactic acidosis necessitates caution and discourages consumption.
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