May 8, 2017
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an essential enzyme for assuring a normal life span of red blood cells.
A G6PD deficiency may result in the sudden destruction of red blood cells upon exposure to oxidative stressors, including oxidative drugs and certain foods, most notably fava beans. G6PD Deficiency is a sex linked inherited disorder with the defect being transmitted from asymptomatic mothers to their sons. An estimated 400 million people are affected worldwide, most frequently
persons of African, Mediterranean, Asian, or Middle Eastern descent.
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Screening for G6PD deficiency in newborns, children, and adults is recommended by American Family Physician1 for those with a family history including anemia or jaundice, especially males of African, Mediterranean, or Asian descent. Diagnosis is desirable because the effects of G6PD Deficiency can be controlled by avoiding foods and drugs that trigger hemolysis.
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Pointe Scientific offers a G6PD Assay which may be used in determining G6PD Deficiency.
