From the Research
Favism is a disorder caused by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, where consuming fava beans triggers hemolytic anemia, as supported by the most recent study in 2020 1. The disorder is characterized by a lack of sufficient G6PD enzyme, which normally protects red blood cells from oxidative damage. When individuals with G6PD deficiency eat fava beans, compounds in the beans (vicine and convicine) cause oxidative stress that destroys red blood cells, leading to symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain
- In severe cases, kidney failure The disorder is more common in people of Mediterranean, African, and Middle Eastern descent. Treatment involves avoiding fava beans completely, stopping any medications that might trigger hemolysis, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop, as recommended by the highest quality study in 2020 1. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary. There is no cure for G6PD deficiency, so prevention through dietary avoidance is the primary management strategy, also supported by other studies 2, 3, 4, 5.