Dietary Recommendations for G6PD Deficiency
People with G6PD deficiency should completely avoid fava beans and maintain a diet rich in antioxidants including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding known trigger foods. The primary dietary concern in G6PD deficiency is preventing hemolytic episodes by avoiding foods that can trigger oxidative stress.
Foods to Avoid
Definite Avoidance:
- Fava beans (broad beans): The strongest evidence links fava beans to hemolytic crises in G6PD deficiency 1. This includes all forms of fava beans including:
- Fresh fava beans
- Dried fava beans
- Falafel (often contains fava beans)
- Products containing fava bean flour
Caution with Legumes:
Based on clinical evidence, other legumes have been associated with hemolytic episodes in some individuals 1:
- Chickpeas
- Green peas
- Peanuts
- Lentils
- Black-eyed peas
Other Potential Triggers:
- Blueberries: Case reports suggest possible hemolytic reactions 2
- Henna: Evidence links henna to hemolysis in G6PD deficiency 3
Recommended Foods
Antioxidant-Rich Foods:
- Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, tomatoes (2-3 servings daily) 4
- Fruits: Apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, melons (3-4 servings daily) 4
- Whole grains: Brown rice, whole wheat bread, oatmeal 4
- Lean proteins: Fish, poultry, lean meats (in moderation) 4
- Healthy oils: Extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil 4
Safe Supplements:
The following supplements appear safe at therapeutic doses 3:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Ginkgo biloba
- α-lipoic acid
Dietary Pattern Recommendations
A Mediterranean-style diet is beneficial for overall health and appears safe for G6PD deficient individuals 4:
- High consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and olive oil
- Moderate consumption of fish
- Limited consumption of red meat and processed foods
- Adequate hydration (4-6 glasses of water daily) 4
Special Considerations
During Acute Hemolytic Episodes:
- Increase fluid intake to prevent kidney damage from hemoglobin breakdown products
- Temporarily avoid all potential trigger foods until recovery
- Focus on easily digestible, nutritious foods
For Infants with G6PD Deficiency:
- Breastfeeding is recommended and safe 5
- Regular monitoring of bilirubin levels is essential in newborns 5
- When introducing solid foods (4-6 months), start with infant cereals, followed by vegetables and then meats 5
Monitoring and Prevention
- Be vigilant for signs of hemolysis: pallor, dark urine, jaundice, fatigue
- Hemolytic episodes typically occur 24-72 hours after exposure to trigger foods 1
- Maintain a food diary to identify personal triggers
- Consider nutritional counseling to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients while avoiding trigger foods
Remember that individual sensitivity varies among G6PD deficient people. What triggers hemolysis in one person may not affect another, so personal experience should guide specific food restrictions beyond the established triggers like fava beans.