In the Indian town of Muzaffarpur, a tragic mystery gripped the community for years: each summer, hundreds of children would fall suddenly ill with high fever, seizures, and brain dysfunction—many didn’t survive. The condition, now identified as hypoglycaemic encephalopathy, was eventually linked to a surprising source: litchi fruit.
But how could a fruit so sweet and innocent-looking be connected to such a serious illness? The answer lies in a toxic compound found in litchis and a perfect storm of factors that make some children especially vulnerable.
The Dangerous Trio: Poor Nutrition, Fasting, and Litchis
Research has uncovered three key risk factors that trigger this illness:
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Undernutrition – Children with poor diets have low glycogen stores, meaning their bodies have little backup energy.
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Skipping the evening meal – Without dinner, the body relies on internal reserves to keep blood sugar stable overnight.
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Eating lots of litchis – The fruit contains natural toxins that disrupt the body’s ability to produce energy.
This combination is most deadly in undernourished children who consume litchis in large amounts on an empty stomach.
The Culprit Inside Litchis: Methylene Cyclopropyl Alanine (MCPA)
Litchis contains MCPA, a toxin derived from another compound called hypoglycin A. Here’s how it harms the body:
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When the child’s blood sugar drops in the early morning (a normal response to fasting), the body should make new glucose from stored fat through processes called gluconeogenesis and fatty acid β-oxidation.
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MCPA blocks key enzymes in these processes—especially those that break down fatty acids for energy.
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As a result, the body can’t make enough glucose, leading to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
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This causes brain dysfunction (encephalopathy), as the brain is extremely sensitive to changes in glucose levels.
Early Action Can Save Lives
The good news? Immediate treatment with a sugar solution, like 10% dextrose, can reverse the symptoms if given early enough. Awareness among parents, healthcare workers, and communities is critical to preventing future tragedies.
Is the Science Settled?
While most researchers now agree on this explanation, some in the scientific community still have questions. Ongoing studies aim to clarify further how these toxins work and what other factors may contribute.
Takeaway: Simple Steps Can Prevent a Tragedy
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Ensure children don’t skip meals, especially in areas where litchis are grown.
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Limit litchi intake, particularly on an empty stomach.
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Recognize symptoms early—unusual sleepiness, confusion, or seizures in the morning may be signs of low blood sugar.
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Seek immediate medical help—early glucose infusion can be life-saving.
What seemed like a seasonal mystery now has a clearer explanation. And with awareness and simple preventive steps, this tragic illness can be stopped before it starts.
