What is Favism / G6PD ?

Favism is a medical condition which is caused by an enzyme deficiency in the blood. People with this deficiency can experience anemia as a result of exposure to fava beans. The condition is most common in people who live around the Mediterranean, and it generally affects men, although women can be carriers. For people with this deficiency, an assortment of other foods and some pharmaceuticals can also trigger a reaction. The most effective treatment is avoidance of substances which can trigger anemia, and a blood transfusion for people in anemic crisis.


Officially, favism is known as Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, or G6PD. The severity of this condition varies from patient to patient; in all cases, people suffer what is known as hemolytic anemia because their lack of this enzyme means that the health of their red blood cells is impaired. As a result, the cells can break down very quickly, triggering a range of symptoms from tiredness to coma, depending on the severity of the anemia. Southeast Asians and some Africans are also at risk of favism.

Fava beans have been linked with anemic conditions since ancient times, which is why “favism” is used as a generic name for G6PD deficiency. However, not all people with this condition react to fava beans, and other legumes can also spark an anemic episode. G6PD deficiency also causes severe reactions with some medications; people with this condition should talk to their doctors, as different drugs represent different risks for unique individuals, and the list of risky drugs is quite long.

For someone with severe favism, exposure to the pollen of fava beans can cause a reaction, as will consumption of the beans. The patient may feel tired, feverish, or experience a headache, and the condition can also cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, favism can result in serious health problems, like a coma. Early warning signs of favism include jaundice, dark urine, and a general sense of feeling run down and tired all the time.

People who think that they may have favism can be tested for it. There is a simple blood test which will check a patient's enzyme levels to determine whether or not the patient has favism and how severe the condition is. If anyone in your family has the condition, you may want to consider testing, since G6PD is genetic.


What is Favism / G6PD ?