Do individuals with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency experience nausea after consuming fava beans?

From the Research

Yes, individuals with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency can experience nausea after consuming fava beans, as part of a condition called favism, which can lead to more severe complications like hemolytic anemia. This reaction occurs because fava beans contain compounds called vicine and convicine that trigger the breakdown of red blood cells in G6PD-deficient individuals 1. The symptoms of favism often begin with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and can progress to more serious complications, with the severity varying depending on the specific G6PD variant and the amount of beans consumed 1.

Key Points to Consider

• The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2023, highlights the clinical features of favism at different ages, emphasizing that nausea is a common symptom across all age groups 1.
• Complete avoidance of fava beans is the only effective management strategy for individuals with G6PD deficiency to prevent favism 2, 1.
• If symptoms of favism develop, medical attention should be sought promptly, as severe hemolysis may require hospitalization and supportive care 3, 1.
• Other foods and substances, such as vetch, can also trigger hemolytic crises in G6PD-deficient individuals, underscoring the importance of dietary management and awareness 4.
• Nutritional counseling plays a crucial role in preventing acute stress events in patients with G6PD deficiency, including the avoidance of dietary oxidative stressors and the promotion of adequate hydration 5.

Management and Prevention

• Avoidance of fava beans and other oxidative stressors is paramount for individuals with G6PD deficiency to prevent favism and its complications 2, 1.
• Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical attention are critical in managing favism and preventing severe outcomes 3, 1.
• Educational efforts and nutritional counseling can help individuals with G6PD deficiency and their families understand the risks associated with certain foods and substances, and how to manage the condition effectively 5.