If you eat uranium, the primary health risk is heavy metal poisoning, particularly kidney damage, which can be severe and potentially fatal. Consuming about 25 milligrams of uranium can cause immediate kidney harm, and ingesting more than 50 milligrams may lead to kidney failure and death

. Uranium is chemically toxic to the kidneys because they filter blood and cannot effectively process uranium, leading to kidney damage as the main acute effect

. The uranium you ingest is mostly not absorbed by the body and is excreted in feces, but a small percentage (around 0.2% to 2%) can be absorbed and accumulate in bones, liver, and kidneys, where it can remain for weeks to years

. The radioactive properties of uranium contribute less to immediate toxicity compared to its chemical toxicity, but long-term exposure may increase cancer risk, including stomach, intestinal, and possibly bone cancers

. Chronic ingestion can also cause neurobehavioral changes and fertility effects in animal studies, though these effects are less consistently observed in humans

. Ingesting uranium metal would also chemically react with stomach acid, producing hydrogen gas and causing additional discomfort

. Overall, eating uranium is extremely dangerous and can lead to poisoning, organ failure, and death if the dose is high enough

Summary

• Immediate effect: Kidney damage starting at ~25 mg ingestion; kidney failure and death possible above 50 mg.
• Absorption: Small fraction absorbed; most excreted.
• Long-term risks: Cancer risk, organ accumulation, neurobehavioral effects.
• Chemical reaction: Uranium metal reacts with stomach acid, causing gas and irritation.
• Outcome: High chance of poisoning and death with significant ingestion.

Avoid any ingestion of uranium due to its severe toxic effects