What Is G6PD Deficiency? Causes, Treatment, and Precautions
Quick Answer: G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition where the body lacks an enzyme that protects red blood cells from damage. It's more common in males and usually harmless unless triggered by certain foods (fava beans), medications (some antibiotics, antimalarials), or infections. When triggered, it can cause hemolytic anemia (breakdown of red blood cells). Most children with G6PD live normal lives by avoiding known triggers.
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Understanding G6PD Deficiency
Watch: Understanding Genetic Conditions in Babies
G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) deficiency is one of the most common enzyme deficiencies worldwide, affecting about 400 million people.
What G6PD Does
Normal Function
When Deficient
Protects red blood cells from oxidative damage
Red blood cells break down when stressed
Enzyme always present and working
Enzyme is missing or doesn't work properly
Red blood cells live normal lifespan
Red blood cells destroyed when exposed to triggers
How Common Is It?
Region
Prevalence
**Africa**
5-25% of population
**Middle East**
5-20% of population
**Mediterranean**
5-15% of population
**Southeast Asia**
3-15% of population
**India**
5-15% in some regions
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Causes and Genetics
How G6PD Is Inherited
G6PD deficiency is X-linked (carried on the X chromosome):
Gender
Genetics
Severity
**Males**
One affected X chromosome
Usually more severely affected
**Females (carrier)**
One affected, one normal X
Usually mild or no symptoms
**Females (both affected)**
Both X chromosomes affected
Can be as severe as males (rare)
Why It Exists
Interestingly, G6PD deficiency may have an evolutionary advantage:
Provides some protection against malaria
More common in malaria-endemic regions
A trade-off - protection from malaria but vulnerability to other triggers
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Symptoms of G6PD Crisis (Hemolytic Episode)
What Happens During a Crisis
When someone with G6PD is exposed to a trigger:
Timeline
What Happens
**Hours to days after trigger**
Red blood cells start breaking down
**1-3 days**
Symptoms appear
**7-10 days**
Usually resolves as new cells are made
Signs to Watch For
Symptom
What It Looks Like
**Jaundice**
Yellow skin and eyes
**Dark urine**
Tea or cola colored
**Pale skin**
Unusual pallor
**Fatigue**
Extreme tiredness
**Rapid breathing**
Short of breath
**Rapid heartbeat**
Heart racing
**Abdominal pain**
Especially in children
**Enlarged spleen**
May be felt by doctor
Neonatal Jaundice
Babies with G6PD may have:
Severe newborn jaundice
Jaundice appearing earlier than typical (within 24 hours)
Higher bilirubin levels
May need phototherapy or exchange transfusion
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Triggers to Avoid
Foods
Food
Risk Level
**Fava beans (broad beans)**
HIGH - major trigger
**Legumes**
Some people react
**Tonic water**
Contains quinine
**Some herbal remedies**
Variable
Note: Fava beans are the most common food trigger. Also called broad beans, bakla, or field beans.
Always tell doctors your child has G6PD before any medication is prescribed.
Infections
Infections are the most common trigger:
Bacterial infections
Viral infections
Hepatitis
Pneumonia
Typhoid
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Treatment
During a Hemolytic Episode
Severity
Treatment
**Mild**
Stop trigger, supportive care, monitor
**Moderate**
Hospitalization, IV fluids, monitoring
**Severe**
Blood transfusion, intensive care
Long-Term Management
There is no cure for G6PD deficiency. Management focuses on:
Avoiding triggers (primary strategy)
Carrying a medical alert card
Informing all healthcare providers
Genetic counseling for families
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Living with G6PD Deficiency
For Parents of Children with G6PD
Action
Details
**Medical alert**
Card, bracelet, or necklace
**Medication list**
Keep list of drugs to avoid
**Inform caregivers**
School, daycare, babysitters
**Read labels**
Check medications before giving
**Avoid fava beans**
Even in processed foods
**Regular checkups**
Monitor overall health
What Children Can Do
Normal Activities
With Precaution
School
Inform school nurse
Sports
No restrictions
Diet
Avoid fava beans, otherwise normal
Travel
Carry documentation, avoid malaria drugs
Diet Guidelines
Foods Are Safe
Avoid
Most vegetables
Fava beans
Fruits
Tonic water
Grains
Unknown herbal supplements
Meats
Dairy
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Diagnosis
How G6PD Is Detected
Test
What It Shows
**G6PD enzyme level**
Measures enzyme activity
**Blood smear**
During crisis, shows damaged cells
**Reticulocyte count**
High during/after crisis
**Bilirubin levels**
Elevated during crisis
When to Test
Newborn screening (in some countries/states)
Family history of G6PD
Unexplained jaundice in newborn
Anemia after certain medications
Episode of dark urine and jaundice
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my child outgrow G6PD deficiency?
A: No, G6PD deficiency is a lifelong genetic condition. However, most people with G6PD live completely normal lives by simply avoiding triggers. Many go years without any symptoms.
Q: Can my child with G6PD eat at restaurants?
A: Yes, with caution. Avoid dishes that might contain fava beans. In Mediterranean or Middle Eastern restaurants, ask specifically about broad beans/fava beans in dishes.
Q: Is G6PD deficiency dangerous?
A: G6PD itself isn't dangerous when managed properly. The danger comes from severe hemolytic episodes, which can be prevented by avoiding triggers. With awareness, children with G6PD lead normal, healthy lives.
Q: Can children with G6PD receive vaccinations?
A: Yes! Routine childhood vaccinations are safe and recommended for children with G6PD. The vaccines don't trigger hemolysis.
Q: Should I avoid menthol and camphor products?
A: There's some concern about naphthalene (mothballs) and menthol in large amounts. Occasional use of products like vapor rub is generally considered safe, but discuss with your doctor.
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Key Takeaways
G6PD is manageable - Most people live completely normal lives
Avoid triggers - This is the main treatment
Fava beans are the main food trigger - Read labels carefully
Always inform doctors - Before any medication
Carry medical ID - Alert card or bracelet
Infections can trigger episodes - Seek prompt treatment
Know the symptoms - Jaundice, dark urine, fatigue
Boys are more commonly affected - X-linked inheritance
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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