Teen Died After Protein Shake Triggered Hidden Metabolic Disorder, Leaving Grieving Mom Behind

Rohan Godhania (second from right) died at West Middlesex Hospital.Photo byFamily Handout/BBC

In August 2020, a tragic incident shook the Godhania family and sent shockwaves through the fitness and health community. 16-year-old Rohan Godhania from West London fell critically ill after consuming a protein shake made from Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN) protein powder.

Just three days after his initial symptoms, Rohan tragically passed away, and the cause was later traced to a rare genetic disorder that had been triggered by the protein shake.

Rohan’s mother, Pushpa Godhania, has since made it her mission to prevent similar tragedies. She is advocating for stronger warnings on protein shake labels and a more proactive approach in medical settings, specifically for conditions like the one that took her son's life.

The Medical Mystery Unfolds

Rohan suffered from a rare condition known as ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, with a prevalence of 1 in 80,000 people and a male-dominated incidence. This disorder impairs the body’s ability to break down ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism.

When too much protein is consumed, ammonia levels in the bloodstream can spike, leading to severe and often fatal consequences. In Rohan's case, his ammonia levels reached dangerous heights after drinking the protein shake, causing significant brain damage and ultimately leading to his death.

Despite the obvious symptoms, the medical team initially misdiagnosed his condition, suspecting encephalitis or meningitis. Although neurologists at Charing Cross Hospital advised testing for ammonia, the screening was never conducted. Senior coroner Tom Osborne later described this as a "lost opportunity" for Rohan’s treatment, which could have saved his life.

A Call for Change

Three years after the incident, Mrs. Godhania is campaigning for specific actions to prevent future fatalities.

She believes that protein shakes should carry clear warnings advising users to seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe symptoms such as vomiting or feeling unwell after consumption. She emphasizes that testing for ammonia levels in such cases could be lifesaving, especially for those with undiagnosed conditions like OTC deficiency.

Her plea is not just for clearer labeling on protein supplements but also for changes in hospital procedures. Mrs. Godhania advocates for mandatory ammonia testing in emergency departments when patients present with relevant symptoms, especially when there is a potential link to protein intake.

The Importance of Ammonia Testing

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency is rare, but it is not the only condition that can cause elevated ammonia levels. When left unchecked, high levels of ammonia can lead to catastrophic brain damage, as tragically happened in Rohan's case.

The reluctance to test for ammonia in emergency settings, according to Mrs. Godhania, needs to be addressed, as it could be the key to preventing similar deaths.

The inquest into Rohan's death highlighted this gap in medical procedures, with coroner Tom Osborne pointing out the missed opportunity to intervene. He is expected to issue a prevention-of-future-deaths report to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), urging them to consider stronger warning labels on high-protein supplements. A separate report is anticipated to go to NHS England and NHS Improvement, focusing on the lack of ammonia level testing guidelines in hospitals.

Living With Loss

For Mrs. Godhania, the grief remains overwhelming to this day. She has left his belongings untouched, preserving his room as though he’s simply away on holiday. Her profound sense of loss is compounded by the belief that her son’s death could have been avoided had certain measures been in place.

"I still hope that he's going to come home and none of this is real," Mrs. Godhania shared, reflecting the deep and unshakeable connection she maintains with her son.

A Push for Greater Awareness

As Pushpa Godhania continues to fight for change, her story serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly harmless products. Protein shakes are marketed as a health supplement, yet for individuals with undiagnosed metabolic conditions, they can pose a lethal risk.

Her hope is that through stronger regulations, clear warnings, and improved medical procedures, no other family will have to experience the same devastating loss.

In response to the inquest, a spokesperson from Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust offered their condolences to the Godhania family. But for Mrs. Godhania, this is not enough—she is determined that her son’s legacy will include saving others from a similar fate.