In large quantities, solanine poisoning can cause death.
The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources (MRWWR) in Oman has seized several kilogrammes of fresh potatoes in the main wholesale markets of Yankul and Dhunk in Dhaihrah governorate after it found a high level of solanine toxic content in them.
Health experts have pointed out that Solanine poisoning is primarily displayed by gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, burning of the throat, headaches and dizziness. Hallucinations, loss of sensation, and paralysis, fever, jaundice, dilated pupils and hypothermia have been reported in more severe cases.
In large quantities, solanine poisoning can cause death. Studies suggest that doses of 2 to 5 mg per kilogram of body weight can cause toxic symptoms, and doses of 3 to 6 mg per kilogram of body weight can be fatal.
Symptoms usually occur 8 to 12 hours after ingestion, but may occur as rapidly as 30 minutes after eating high-solanine foods.
Most solanine occurs in the skin or just under the skin of potatoes. Peeled potatoes have been found to contain 30-80 per cent less solanine than unpeeled potatoes, and green potatoes should always be peeled if they are to be used at all. Solanine and chaconine are also present in potato shoots.
Source: OmanObserver