Which fruits should be avoided by people with G6PD deficiency (favism)?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, individuals with G6PD deficiency should avoid eating hot-natured fruits as well as fruits rich in vitamin C and vitamin K. Hot-natured fruits may cause internal heat and lead to "heatiness," which is unfavorable for recovery. Consuming large amounts of vitamin C can trigger chemical reactions that induce adverse conditions. Fruits high in vitamin K contain substantial levels of this vitamin, whose components may produce harmful substances within the body.
Generally, people with favism should avoid eating hot-natured fruits as well as fruits rich in vitamin C and vitamin K.
1. Hot-natured fruits: Consuming hot-natured fruits such as durian, lychee, and longan may cause internal heat and lead to "heatiness," which is unfavorable for recovery in patients with favism. Therefore, these fruits should be avoided. Instead, patients may moderately consume cooling and moisturizing fruits such as apples, pears, and grapefruits.
2. Fruits rich in vitamin C: Patients with favism should not eat fruits high in vitamin C, such as oranges, tangerines, and kiwifruits. The reason lies in the disease mechanism of favism, which involves a hereditary enzyme deficiency. High intake of vitamin C may trigger chemical reactions that could induce adverse effects. Thus, patients with favism should avoid consuming fruits with high vitamin C content.
3. Fruits rich in vitamin K: Patients should also avoid foods high in vitamin K, such as pomegranates, grapes, and cherries. Otherwise, components in these fruits may produce harmful substances in the body, hindering recovery.
