Favism facts for kids
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, often called G6PD deficiency or favism, is a condition passed down through families. It means someone inherits it from their parents through their genes. This condition can lead to a type of anemia, which is when your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. Doctors focus on preventing G6PD deficiency from being passed on. Since it's linked to the X chromosome, most people who have it are male.
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What is G6PD Deficiency?
People with G6PD deficiency cannot make enough of a special helper molecule called an enzyme. This enzyme is called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. This enzyme helps red blood cells work properly. Without enough of it, red blood cells can break down too easily.
How it Affects Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells carry oxygen all around your body. When these cells break down too quickly, your body might not get enough oxygen. This can make you feel tired or weak. About 400 million people around the world have G6PD deficiency.
Where is G6PD Deficiency Common?
G6PD deficiency is often found in regions where malaria is also common. This is because the red blood cells of people with G6PD deficiency are not as good for the malaria parasite to live in. This means that having G6PD deficiency can offer some protection against severe malaria.
What is Favism?
Sometimes, G6PD deficiency is called favism. This name comes from the fava bean, also known as the broad bean or Windsor bean. For some people with G6PD deficiency, eating fava beans can cause their red blood cells to break down. This is why it's important for people with this condition to know which foods and medicines to avoid.
Living with G6PD Deficiency
There is no cure for G6PD deficiency, but it can be managed. The main way to stay healthy is to avoid things that can trigger the red blood cells to break down. These triggers can include certain foods, like fava beans, and some medicines. Doctors can help people with G6PD deficiency understand what they need to avoid.
