
- Anemia. People can have a severe form of anemia called acute hemolytic anemia.
- Jaundice. When your skin turns yellow.
- Dark-colored pee.
- Fatigue.
- Being more pale than usual.
- Having a rapid heart rate.
- Feeling short of breath.
- Having an enlarged spleen.
Symptoms
- Bitter melon
- Simple carbohydrates: corn syrup, white flour and refined sugar
- Peanut containing foods
- Vitamin K: Vitamin K3 may be tied with hemolytic anemia.
- Artificial Blue Coloring: Blue food colorings like Toluidine Blue are dangerous for those with g6pd. All artificial dyes could be g6pd deficiency triggers.
- Chinese Herbs:
Causes
This can lead to a recovery in most cases. Once G6PD deficiency has progressed to hemolytic anemia, the treatment is more aggressive. Treatment involves oxygen therapy, blood transfusion, and close monitoring. What is the prognosis of G6PD deficiency? Many people with G6PD deficiency never have any symptoms and live a normal life.
Prevention
There is no cure for G6PD deficiency, but there are steps you can take to minimize its symptoms. By identifying and avoiding the things that trigger the breakdown of red blood cells weakened by the disorder, you can live a normal, relatively healthy life free from symptoms.
Complications
If there’s a G6PD Deficiency diet, it may be a diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. Simple carbohydrates are g6pd deficiency foods to avoid in themselves, so a more paleo style of eating or Mediterranean with the healthy oils and fats, minus the wines, could be good. Step one is learning all the G6pd deficiency foods to avoid.
What foods should I avoid if I have G6PD deficiency?
What is the prognosis for G6PD deficiency?
Is there a cure for G6PD deficiency?
Is alcohol bad for someone with a G6PD deficiency?
See more
How to know if you have G6PD?
What happens if you have a G6PD?
What are some medicines that help with G6PD?
What happens if you don't have enough G6PD?
How to treat G6PD?
Can G6PD cause anaemia?
Can you buy G6PD without a prescription?
See more
About this website

What triggers G6PD deficiency?
What causes G6PD deficiency? G6PD deficiency is inherited. This means it is passed down from parents through their genes. Women who carry one copy of the gene can pass G6PD deficiency to their children. Men who get the gene have G6PD deficiency.
What are the signs and symptoms of G6PD?
What are the symptoms of G6PD deficiency?rapid heart rate.shortness of breath.urine that is dark or yellow-orange.fever.fatigue.dizziness.paleness.jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
What is the treatment for G6PD?
The usual treatment for hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient patients is supportive care plus removal and avoidance of further triggers. In severe hemolysis, blood transfusions may be required; hemodialysis may be needed if acute kidney injury occurs. Generally, the prognosis for G6PD-deficient patients is quite good.
What is the most serious complication of G6PD?
G6PD deficiency can cause neonatal jaundice, which is one of the most common conditions requiring medical attention in newborns. Jaundice is caused by excess levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is an orange-yellow bile pigment that is a byproduct of the natural breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Does G6PD make you tired?
This can cause tiredness, dizziness, and other symptoms. Red blood cells that don't have enough G6PD are sensitive to some medicines, foods, and infections.
What happens when you have G6PD?
G6PD is a genetic disorder that happens when your body doesn't have enough glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme. G6PD helps red blood cells work and protects them from harmful substances. G6PD can cause life-threatening hemolytic anemia that requires blood transfusions.
Does G6PD affect brain?
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiencies are globally prevalent. Brain deficiencies enhance G6pd gene dose-dependent oxidative DNA damage. Deficient brains exhibit lower Purkinje cell numbers and synaptic dysfunction. G6PD-deficient mice exhibit cognitive and motor abnormalities.
Can G6PD take Covid 19 vaccine?
G6PD deficiency and COVID-19 vaccines Like routine vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines can be safely administered to people with G6PD deficiency. Clinical trials and real-world evidence have not identified any specific concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines and people with G6PD deficiency.
Is vitamin C good for G6PD?
Vitamin C has been categorised as "probably safe" in "normal therapeutic doses" in G6PD deficiency. Several case reports and small studies relating to hemolysis and vitamin C administration in different clinical contexts have been published with contradictory results.
Can G6PD lead to leukemia?
The results have shown that G6PD activity strongly increases in G6PD normal leukemic cells as well as in G6PD deficient leukemic cells when compared to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Higher levels of G6PD gene expression were observed in leukemic cells from G6PD deficient patients compared to G6PD normal.
Can a person with G6PD take ibuprofen?
The common over-the-counter treatments for fever, pain, nasal congestion and cough – acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and guaifenesin, (Robitussin) – are usually safe at normal therapeutic doses for people with G6PD deficiency.
What medicine should G6PD avoid?
The following is a partial list of medications and chemicals that individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should avoid:Acetanilid.Furazolidone.Isobutyl nitrite.Nalidixic acid.Naphthalene.Niridazole.Sulfa drugs.
Fact Sheet G6PD deficiency (Favism) - Ministry of Health
G6PD deficiency (Favism) | October 2018 This written information is for guidance only and does not replace consultation and advice by your health care provider.
G6PD Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, and More
G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition caused by a lack of the G6PD enzyme in the blood. Learn about G6PD deficiency symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
G6PD Deficiency Reference Guide
Safe to take But only in normal therapeutic doses [!!!] (Quoted from Ernest Beutler, M.D., “Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydro-genase Deficiency,” in Erythrocyte disorders: Anemias due to increased destruction of erythrocytes with enzyme deficiencies, p. 598.) Acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol, Tralgon, hydroxyac-
What Is G6PD Deficiency
Created by Associazione Italiana Favismo Deficit di G6PD onlus – now administered by volunteers
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a hereditary condition in which red blood cells break down (hemolysis) when the body is exposed to certain foods, drugs, infections or stress.
How to know if you have G6PD?
Most people with G6PD live without symptoms most of the time. But the common signs and symptoms include: 1 dark-coloured urine 2 very pale skin 3 breathlessness 4 an enlarged spleen 5 very fast heart rate 6 low back pain 7 fever 8 diarrhoea, nausea or abdominal pain
What happens if you have a G6PD?
When to seek help. If people with G6PD deficiency are exposed to a trigger, they can very quickly develop acute haemolytic anaemia, which requires medical attention . If you or your child develops jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), dark-coloured urine, pale skin or lethargy, see your GP as soon as possible.
What are some medicines that help with G6PD?
medicines such as some antibiotics, malaria medications (both for the prevention and treatment of malaria), aspirin, some anti-cancer drugs and large doses of vitamin C. some chemicals, including mothballs (naphthalene) some foods, particularly fava beans (broad beans) certain infections. G6PD deficiency is a lifelong genetic condition ...
What happens if you don't have enough G6PD?
People with G6PD deficiency do not have enough of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). This enzyme helps protects red blood cells from damage. The condition can cause the red blood cells to break down too easily (called 'haemolysis'). This can lead to anaemia (lack of red blood cells) and jaundice ...
How to treat G6PD?
Treatment of G6PD deficiency. Most people don't need any treatment — they manage their condition by avoiding the triggers. If you develop anaemia, it will need to be treated — potentially with a blood transfusion. Babies with jaundice are treated by being placed under special lights called 'bili lights'.
Can G6PD cause anaemia?
In this case, a person with G6PD deficiency can develop acute haemolytic anaemia (AHA), which can be life-threatening, especially in children. Triggers can include:
Can you buy G6PD without a prescription?
If you buy medicine without a prescription, talk to your pharmacist and read the label carefully. You also need to be careful about using any herbal and alternative medicines. Having a virus or infection can stress the body and lead to haemolysis in people with G6PD deficiency.
How to tell if you have G6PD?
Symptoms of G6PD deficiency can include: rapid heart rate. shortness of breath. urine that is dark or yellow-orange. fever. fatigue. dizziness. paleness. jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
How to diagnose G6PD?
How’s G6PD deficiency diagnosed? Your doctor can diagnose G6PD deficiency by performing a simple blood test to check G6PD enzyme levels. Other diagnostic tests that may be done include a complete blood count, serum hemoglobin test, and a reticulocyte count.
What is the role of G6PD in the body?
G6PD is also responsible for keeping red blood cells healthy so they can function properly and live a normal life span. Without enough of it, red blood cells break down prematurely. This early destruction of red blood cells is known as hemolysis, and it can eventually lead to hemolytic anemia.
What is G6PD in genetics?
G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition that is passed along from one or both parents to their child. The defective gene that causes this deficiency is on the X chromosome, which is one of the two sex chromosomes. Men have only one X chromosome, while women have two X chromosomes. In males, one altered copy of the gene is enough to cause G6PD ...
How long does it take for G6PD to go away?
Once the underlying cause is treated or resolved, symptoms of G6PD deficiency usually disappear within a few weeks.
What are the risks of G6PD?
You may have a higher risk of having G6PD deficiency if you: 1 are male 2 are African-American 3 are of Middle Eastern descent 4 have a family history of the condition
What is the G6PD?
G6PD deficiency is a genetic abnormality that results in an inadequate amount of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in the blood. This is a very important enzyme (or protein) that regulates various biochemical reactions in the body. G6PD is also responsible for keeping red blood cells healthy so they can function properly ...
What is the cause of G6PD deficiency?
G6PD deficiency is a genetic ( inherited) condition that causes red blood cells to break down prematurely. This causes the condition known as hemolytic anemia.
What does G6PD stand for?
See additional information. G6PD deficiency stands for a deficiency in an enzyme known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. In people with G6PD deficiency, factors like infections, certain medications, or ingesting fava beans can lead to red blood cells being destroyed ...
How to care for a child with G6PD?
The best way to care for a child with G6PD deficiency is to limit exposure to anything that triggers symptoms. Check with your doctor for instructions, and a list of medicines and other things that could be a problem for a child with G6PD deficiency.
What is the G6PD?
G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder that most often affects males. It happens when the body doesn't have enough of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). G6PD helps red blood cells work. It also protects them from substances in the blood that could harm them.
What are the symptoms of anemia in children?
fast heartbeat. fast breathing or shortness of breath. jaundice (the skin and eyes look yellow) an enlarged spleen. dark, tea-colored pee. Mild symptoms usually don't need medical treatment. As the body makes new red blood cells , the anemia will improve. If symptoms are more severe, a child may need care in a hospital.
Can G6PD cause anemia?
In these cases, the symptoms stop when the cause is gone. In rare cases, G6PD deficiency leads to chronic anemia regardless of exposure to triggers. Triggers of hemolysis in kids with G6PD deficiency include: illness, such as bacterial and viral infections. some painkillers and fever-lowering drugs.
Can a blood test confirm G6PD?
If doctors suspect G6PD deficiency, blood tests usually can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of anemia. If you worry that your child might have G6PD deficiency, talk to your doctor about a screening test to check for it.
Can hemolytic anemia cause paleness?
Others might have symptoms of hemolytic anemia if many RBCs are destroyed. paleness (in darker-skinned kids, paleness is sometimes best seen in the mouth, especially on the lips or tongue) Mild symptoms usually don't need medical treatment. As the body makes new red blood cells, the anemia will improve.
What are the symptoms of G6PD?
In those patients and in those with more severe forms of G6PD deficiency with chronic hemolysis, symptoms include: Pallor or pale color to skin. Rapid heart rate.
How to know if you have G6PD?
Symptoms depend on which mutation you inherit. Some people may never be diagnosed, as no symptoms are present. Some patients with G6PD deficiency have symptoms only when exposed to certain medications or foods (see the list below). Some people may be diagnosed as newborns after experiencing severe jaundice (also called hyperbilirubinemia). In those patients and in those with more severe forms of G6PD deficiency with chronic hemolysis, symptoms include: 1 Pallor or pale color to skin 2 Rapid heart rate 3 Fatigue or tiredness 4 Feeling faint or dizzy 5 Yellowing of skin (jaundice) or eyes (scleral icterus) 6 Dark urine
What is the G6PD smear?
As in most cases of hemolytic anemia, the peripheral blood smear (microscope slide of the blood) is very helpful. In G6PD deficiency, bite cells and blister cells are common. These are caused by changes that occur to the red blood cell as it is destroyed. If G6PD deficiency is suspected, a G6PD level can be sent off.
How to diagnose G6PD?
Diagnosing G6PD deficiency can be tricky. First, your physician must suspect that you have hemolytic anemia (the breakdown of red blood cells). This is usually confirmed by a complete blood count and a reticulocyte count . Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells sent from the bone marrow in response to the anemia. Anemia with elevated reticulocyte count is consistent with hemolytic anemia. Other labs might include a bilirubin count, which will be elevated. Bilirubin is released from red blood cells when they are broken down and cause jaundice during hemolytic crises.
What is the most common enzyme deficiency in the world?
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency in the world. Approximately 400 million people are affected worldwide. There is great variability in severity based on which mutation is inherited. G6PD is an enzyme found in the red blood cells that provides energy to the cell.
Where is G6PD located?
The gene for G6PD is located on the X chromosome, making males most susceptible to G6PD deficiency (X-linked disorder). G6PD deficiency protects people from being infected with malaria, so it is more commonly seen in areas with high malaria infection rates, such as Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Asia.
Can a G6PD be sent off?
If G6PD deficiency is suspected, a G6PD level can be sent off. A low G6PD level is consistent with G6PD deficiency. Unfortunately, in the midst of an acute hemolytic crisis, a normal G6PD level does not rule out deficiency.
What does it mean when you have a severe G6PD deficiency?
Severe deficiency. A severe deficiency means you have less than 10% of the normal range of G6PD enzymes in your blood.
What happens if you don't have G6PD?
When your body can’t make up for the quick loss, you can get hemolytic anemia . . Hemolytic anemia can be dangerous because it causes a loss of oxygen to your organs and tissues.
What is the normal G6PD level?
A normal test result means you have enough of the enzyme and don’t have G6PD deficiency. A normal measurement is 5.5 to 20.5 units/gram of hemoglobin for adults. Moderate deficiency. A moderate deficiency means the amount of G6PD enzyme in your blood is at 10% to 60% of the normal range. Someone with a moderate deficiency might have hemolytic ...
What is the function of G6PD?
It is responsible for stopping your cells from being damaged by compounds called reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species are also called free radicals.
What is the G6PD test?
The G6PD test is a blood test that measures how much of this enzyme you have in your blood. If you have low amounts, you have a condition called G6PD deficiency.
Does vitamin E help with G6PD?
While antioxidants do fight free radicals, they may not be helpful to this condition. Antioxidants like vitamin E don’t help G6PD deficiency. If you have G6PD deficiency, make sure to talk to your doctor about your medical history and any symptoms you’re having.
Can G6PD cause anemia?
Not everyone who has G6PD deficiency has other health problems. The deficiency alone is not enough to cause anemia or problems with your red blood cells. However, individuals who already have this mutation can have new symptoms triggered by outside sources.
What is the G6PD deficiency?
G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition. It is when the body doesn’t have enough of an enzyme called G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). This enzyme helps red blood cells work properly. A lack of this enzyme can cause hemolytic anemia.
How is G6PD passed down?
G6PD deficiency is inherited. This means it is passed down from parents through their genes. Women who carry one copy of the gene can pass G6PD deficiency to their children. Men who get the gene have G6PD deficiency. Women who get the gene are carriers. They often don’t have symptoms.
Can G6PD cause blood problems?
In most cases, G6PD defici ency does not cause problems. Problems may occur if you are exposed to medicines or foods that may harm your blood cells. Depending on your gene flaw, you may be able to handle a small amount of these exposures. Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:
How to know if you have G6PD?
Most people with G6PD live without symptoms most of the time. But the common signs and symptoms include: 1 dark-coloured urine 2 very pale skin 3 breathlessness 4 an enlarged spleen 5 very fast heart rate 6 low back pain 7 fever 8 diarrhoea, nausea or abdominal pain
What happens if you have a G6PD?
When to seek help. If people with G6PD deficiency are exposed to a trigger, they can very quickly develop acute haemolytic anaemia, which requires medical attention . If you or your child develops jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), dark-coloured urine, pale skin or lethargy, see your GP as soon as possible.
What are some medicines that help with G6PD?
medicines such as some antibiotics, malaria medications (both for the prevention and treatment of malaria), aspirin, some anti-cancer drugs and large doses of vitamin C. some chemicals, including mothballs (naphthalene) some foods, particularly fava beans (broad beans) certain infections. G6PD deficiency is a lifelong genetic condition ...
What happens if you don't have enough G6PD?
People with G6PD deficiency do not have enough of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). This enzyme helps protects red blood cells from damage. The condition can cause the red blood cells to break down too easily (called 'haemolysis'). This can lead to anaemia (lack of red blood cells) and jaundice ...
How to treat G6PD?
Treatment of G6PD deficiency. Most people don't need any treatment — they manage their condition by avoiding the triggers. If you develop anaemia, it will need to be treated — potentially with a blood transfusion. Babies with jaundice are treated by being placed under special lights called 'bili lights'.
Can G6PD cause anaemia?
In this case, a person with G6PD deficiency can develop acute haemolytic anaemia (AHA), which can be life-threatening, especially in children. Triggers can include:
Can you buy G6PD without a prescription?
If you buy medicine without a prescription, talk to your pharmacist and read the label carefully. You also need to be careful about using any herbal and alternative medicines. Having a virus or infection can stress the body and lead to haemolysis in people with G6PD deficiency.
