"Believing It Boosts Stamina"... Chinese Man Nearly Dies After Eating Carp 'Gallbladder'

30s Taken to ER After Eating Carp Bile
Liver and Kidney Worsen... Levels Hundreds of Times Above Normal
Freshwater Fish Bile Contains Dangerous C27 Toxin

A man in his 30s from China, who heard that fish gallbladder is good for eyesight and vitality, was taken to the emergency room after consuming carp bile. Photo by Zadin Dot Vietnam

A man in his 30s from China was rushed to the emergency room after consuming carp bile, having heard that "fish gallbladder is good for male vitality and eyesight."

According to Vietnamese media 'Zing.vn' on the 27th (local time), Mr. A (30, male), who lives in Guizhou, China, recently went on a fishing trip with friends. On that day, Mr. A caught a carp himself and consumed its bile, believing that "carp bile is beneficial for male eyesight and vitality."

However, about an hour after ingesting the bile, Mr. A began experiencing nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and fatigue. After returning to his accommodation, he broke out in cold sweat and collapsed, eventually being transported to the emergency room.

The hospital staff treating Mr. A explained, "He was poisoned because he consumed raw carp bile," adding, "The bile intake caused deterioration of his liver and kidneys." At that time, Mr. A's liver enzyme levels were hundreds of times above the normal range, putting his life at risk. Although he escaped the crisis through prompt emergency treatment, it is expected to take a long time for his organ functions to recover. Currently, Mr. A is receiving inpatient treatment.

Consuming carp bile is an extremely dangerous act. The gallbladder, liver, and pancreas of freshwater fish such as carp and crucian carp contain bile acids. These bile acids include a toxin called 'C27,' which, when ingested, spreads through the blood, reproductive organs, and other organs. C27 is found only in freshwater fish and not in saltwater fish. The toxin is highly resistant to heat, so even cooking does not eliminate the risk of poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning appear 2 to 3 hours after ingestion and range from mild symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea to severe cases including edema caused by acute renal failure, respiratory distress, coma, and even death.