Does G6PD deficiency (favism) go away as one gets older?
Feb 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Heyang
Introduction
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is commonly known as "favism," because the condition is often triggered by consuming fava beans or fava bean products. Favism is a hereditary disorder and does not disappear with age. Patients with favism are advised to consume more high-protein, low-fat, and high-carbohydrate foods in daily life and maintain a positive mental state.
Favism is a genetic disorder and does not disappear as a person grows older.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is commonly known as favism, as the condition is often triggered by consuming fava beans or fava bean products. This disease is a hereditary hemolytic disorder caused by mutations in the G6PD gene. When enzyme activity is reduced, red blood cell membranes become less stable, leading to hemolytic anemia.
Patients with this condition typically develop clear symptoms of hemolysis within hours after eating fava beans, mainly presenting as fever, back pain, and hemoglobinuria. Currently, there is no effective treatment available, and the condition does not resolve spontaneously with age. Prevention involves strictly avoiding exposure to fava beans or fava bean products, as well as refraining from using certain medications such as vitamin K, anti-inflammatory painkillers, and sulfonamides.
It is recommended that individuals with favism consume foods high in protein, low in fat, and rich in carbohydrates in daily life, and maintain a positive and healthy mindset.
