A woman has revealed that consuming garlic, which contains sulphur, could be fatal for her as she is suffering from the ‘vampire disease’.

What is vampire disease?

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), commonly known as the vampire disease, is a rare genetic metabolic disorder that causes severe pain and other debilitating symptoms when triggered.

Phoenix Nightingale, a 32-year-old woman from Minnesota, US, is living with the condition, known as the vampire disease due to its uncanny resemblance with vampire myths.

AIP is caused by a buildup of porphyrins, chemicals that the body needs to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

This disorder affects the nervous system, causing severe stomach pain, vomiting, migraine and constipation.

symptoms of vampire disease

According to a report in the New York Post, Nightingale experiences attacks that can last up to two days, including intense vomiting, loss of consciousness and excruciating pain.

Vampire myths stem from historical cases where people with AIP experienced symptoms that were similar to those of folklore vampires.

These include avoiding garlic due to pale skin, sensitivity to sunlight, and a sulfur allergy, which is similar to the mythical creature’s aversion to the plant, says Michael Heffron, assistant professor, department of pediatrics, Queen’s University, in The Conversation. According to an article in Ontario.

For Nightingale, this disorder makes eating out a challenge. He will need to avoid a variety of foods, including garlic, red grapes, soy, alcohol, and coffee.

Eating even small amounts of garlic can cause intense attacks of vomiting and pain, making it necessary to maintain a highly restricted diet.

treatment of vampire disease

While there is no cure for acute intermittent porphyria, treatment usually involves managing symptoms and avoiding known triggers.

The American woman suffered more than 480 seizures throughout her life and after decades of suffering, she was finally diagnosed in 2023.