Favism

A lot of people can’t eat fava beans because they have favism (G6PD deficiency), which is a genetic disorder that causes hemolytic anemia that can be life-threatening in some cases.

Favism (G6PD deficiency)

Favism (G6PD deficiency) is a genetic disorder that occurs due to the deficiency in the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme, which protects the red blood cells from damage by preventing the free radicals from heavily accumulating in the red cells.

Most people who have favism don’t show any symptoms, but favism (G6PD deficiency) could be triggered due to certain factors, and that causes the free radicals to greatly build up, which causes the red cells to break down, and therefore, that might cause hemolytic anemia, which is a serious condition.

Favism (G6PD deficiency) is very common worldwide, and it affects around 400-500 people, and it also impacts males more than females.

Factors that trigger favism (G6PD deficiency)

Research showed that fava beans are the most triggering factor of favism (G6PD deficiency), and there are also other factors, such as:

• Certain malaria drugs, like primaquine.
• Certain antibiotics, like sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin, and dapsone.
• Certain NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Some infections, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pneumonia, and typhoid fever.
• Having other legumes.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol heavily.
• Emotional stress and strenuous physical activity.

Symptoms of favism (G6PD deficiency)

Infants rarely show any favism symptoms, and the most common symptom is jaundice, which manifests during the first few days after delivery. In case severe jaundice is left without treatment, it might cause brain damage.

The symptoms of favism (G6PD deficiency) when triggered include the following:

• Tachycardia.
• Tiredness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Jaundice.
• Pale skin.
• Dark-colored urine.
• Enlarged spleen.
• When not managed quickly, the condition might develop into a hemolytic crisis that requires immediate emergency.

Diagnosis of favism (G6PD deficiency)

• Patient’s medical history.
• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.

Treatment of (G6PD deficiency)

• There isn’t a cure for favism (G6PD deficiency) but the symptoms can be managed.
• In case of severe hemolytic anemia, the patient might need a blood transfusion.
• Favism (G6PD deficiency) can be prevented by examining the infant after delivery and avoiding triggering factors.