What you need to know about G6PD deficiency (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase - G6PD Deficiency)

Have you ever heard of the word G6PD? Maybe a doctor has told you about it, or maybe someone in your family has. Or maybe it's something completely new to you. However, don't be scared when you hear the name. G6PD deficiency is a very common genetic condition that affects about 400 million people worldwide. It's more like a small change in our bodies than a disease. So let's talk about it all very simply and in a friendly way today.

What exactly is G6PD deficiency?

Okay, let's put this simply. Our blood contains a type of cell called red blood cells . These cells carry oxygen throughout our bodies. It's like a vehicle that carries goods to a house.

Now, there is a special enzyme that helps these red blood cells stay healthy and strong. We call it Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, or G6PD for short. Think of this enzyme as a protector of the red blood cells, or a power supply' that gives them energy. This G6PD enzyme protects the red blood cells from some of the harmful substances in the blood.

What happens in the body of a person with G6PD deficiency is that the G6PD enzyme is not produced in sufficient quantities. Or the enzyme that is produced does not work properly. This is hereditary . That means you inherit this from your mother or father, and it is not a contagious disease.

Usually, having G6PD deficiency is not a big problem. However, if you take certain medications, chemicals, or certain foods (especially certain types of beans), the red blood cells start to get damaged because that protector is missing. This is what we call hemolytic anemia. Let's look at it a little more.

What are the symptoms? How do we recognize this?

The amazing thing here is that many people with G6PD deficiency do not show any symptoms . They live normal lives. The problem only arises when they are exposed to one of the 'trigger' we mentioned earlier, that is, an adverse drug or food.

However, sometimes a baby can develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin) after birth, which is usually easily treated.

If a person with G6PD deficiency is exposed to something harmful, they can develop a condition called hemolytic anemia. Simply put, this is when red blood cells break down and are destroyed faster than they can be made. Red blood cells are what carry oxygen around the body. So when they are destroyed, the body's organs don't get the oxygen they need.

If this condition of hemolytic anemia occurs, it can be quite serious. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of these symptoms.

The table below lists common symptoms of hemolytic anemia.

If these symptoms are severe and persistent, you should see a doctor immediately . Sometimes you may need to go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).It may also have to be removed. But in most cases, once the cause of this condition is removed, it will heal on its own within about two weeks.

✨ Clinical nutrition Verified Partner

Clinical vitamins and nutritional supplements

Clinically proven high quality vitamins, minerals and immune nutritional supplements.

Check Availability →

What is the reason for this? Who is more likely to develop it?

As we mentioned earlier, G6PD deficiency is a completely genetic condition . This means you inherit it from your parents. There is no way to prevent it.

However, some groups of people are more likely to develop this condition.

• For men (more than women).
• For those in countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean region.

If you know that someone in your family has G6PD deficiency, there's a chance that you might have it too. So it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.

How do you find out if you have G6PD deficiency?

There's a very simple way to find out. That's by doing a blood test . Your doctor will recommend this test based on your family history and if you have symptoms.

Usually, a screening test is done first to see if G6PD deficiency is present. If it shows that there is a deficiency, further tests are done to see how severe it is. The Beutler test is one such test.

Through these tests, you can find out exactly whether you have G6PD deficiency and, if so, what the level is.

How to live with G6PD deficiency? What are the things to avoid?

This is the most important part. If you are diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, there is no specific treatment required . All you need to do is avoid the 'triggers' that damage your red blood cells and cause the condition called hemolytic anemia.

That means you should completely avoid certain medications, chemicals, and foods. These are called things that cause 'oxidative stress.'

Remember the table below. It is very important to keep these things out of your life.

Important: If you have G6PD deficiency, you should tell your doctor every time you see him. Then, when he prescribes medication for you, he will choose medications that are safe for you. Never take any medication without first consulting a doctor.