Man Swallows Coins and Magnets for Zinc Intake

In a peculiar case from New Delhi, a 26-year-old man swallowed 39 coins and 37 magnets, believing it would boost his zinc levels. His unusual habit, stemming from a mental health condition, led to severe abdominal pain and a subsequent surgery to remove the foreign objects. Doctors discovered the coins and magnets during examinations, revealing a blockage in his intestines. After a successful operation, the patient was discharged a week later. This incident highlights the complexities of mental health and its impact on behavior.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 09:18 IST

Unusual Case of Ingestion

In a bizarre incident in New Delhi, a 26-year-old man ingested 39 coins and 37 pieces of magnets, believing it would increase his zinc levels. Relatives revealed that he suffers from a mental illness and has a peculiar habit of consuming coins.

After experiencing severe abdominal pain, the young man was admitted to a private hospital where doctors discovered the foreign objects during examinations. An X-ray revealed the presence of coins, leading to a CT scan that confirmed a blockage in the intestines caused by the swallowed items.

Dr. Tarun Mittal, a laparoscopic surgeon at the hospital, explained that the magnetic effect had caused two loops of the intestine to adhere to each other, resulting in damage. During surgery, the team successfully removed all the coins, which included denominations of one, two, and five rupees, along with the magnets. Following the procedure, the patient was discharged after a week of treatment.