Food 'may kill' Blaine after fast

Published on 19/10/2003 01:00

ILLUSIONIST David Blaine could die when he begins taking nourishment again after his fast, an expert who has examined his health warned last night.

Blaine will need careful monitoring when he comes out of the Perspex box next to London’s Tower Bridge which has been his home for the past 42 days, according to the final pre-exit medical briefing on his condition.

His reintroduction to food must be managed carefully to avoid potentially serious problems, including sudden death from "re-feeding syndrome", the briefing said.

The report from nutrition expert Professor Marinos Elia said Blaine showed several symptoms of starvation and appeared "visibly thinner" than when he entered his box.

The water which has been the only substance Blaine has consumed during the stunt contained no detectable solids such as glucose or sodium, according to Professor Elia, from the University of Southampton.

Blaine has suffered dizziness and temporary visual problems "as if blacking out" when he stands up and he has felt weaker and more lethargic, the briefing said.

He is due to leave his box at 9.30pm today.