A UK-wide prospective surveillance study has revealed an alarming rise in cases of magnet ingestion among children and young people, highlighting the potentially severe consequences and the urgent need for preventive measures.
While still relatively uncommon, the ingestion of high-powered magnets can lead to severe gastrointestinal injuries, some requiring surgical intervention.
Conducted between May 2022 and April 2023 across secondary and tertiary care centres in urban and rural settings, the multicentre, observational MAGNETIC study sought to investigate the incidence, characteristics and outcomes of magnet ingestion among children and young people aged 16 years or younger who had ingested one or more magnets.
Researchers collected detailed information on patient demographics, ingestion context, presenting symptoms and clinical management. Of the 366 cases reported, 314 met the inclusion criteria, with a median patient age of 8.7 years. The study estimated an annual incidence of 2.4 cases per 100,000 children and young people in the UK.
Magnet ingestion patterns and injury risk
Data analysis revealed that 38% of magnets ingested were sourced from toys, while 19% were linked to products purchased by parents or caregivers. Although only 7% of cases resulted in gastrointestinal injury (n=23), 10% required surgical intervention (n=32).
Notably, no injuries were observed following the ingestion of a single magnet. However, the risk of injury increased with each additional magnet ingested (odds ratio (OR) 1.1; p=0.002).
Symptom presentation at the time of hospital admission also predicted clinical outcomes. Symptomatic children were significantly more likely to suffer injuries (OR 3.8; p=0.008), although the majority of cases (75%) were asymptomatic, emphasising the need for high clinical vigilance.
The findings reinforce the need for heightened public and clinical awareness of the risks of magnet ingestion, particularly in asymptomatic children, and the importance of early identification to prevent complications associated with multiple magnet ingestion.
The study authors advocate for the development of national, evidence-based guidelines to standardise clinical assessment and management. They also call for coordinated action among healthcare professionals, government bodies and charity organisations to restrict the sale of high-power magnets.
This follows Food Standards Agency warnings over the risks of glycerol intoxication syndrome from slush ice drinks.
Reference
Neville J et al. Magnet ingestion in children in the United Kingdom: a national prospective observational surveillance study. Arch Dis Child 2025;110:778-785.