My youngest son, 1 of the twins is with G6PD deficiency. G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition in which the body doesn't have enough of the enzyme G6PD to help red blood cells function normally. This deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia, usually after exposure to certain medications, foods or even infections.
To learn more about G6PD, you could check out the following websites:-
1. www. g6pd.org
2. www.g6pddeficiency.org
Just to share my experience here. My son was diagnosed with G6PD deficiency since born due to his high jaundice. We have accepted the fact that he is born with this deficiency. When he was around 1, my husband decided to get a 2nd opinion. So, we went for a 2nd blood test and the result came back, has set us jumping high that he has free of the deficiency. I was shocked and delighted with the result. However, I called my gynaecologist and asked is this possible. The doctor said this is possible due to his organs were not properly and fully formed yet when he was just born.
I have also called the paediatrician of my son who broke the news of his deficiency to us when he was born, to ask him could this be possible? Is mis-diagnosis possible at that time? My husband was not happy with me, not able to accept the new result. I told him, I do not want regret, I do not want mistake. The doctor's reply was this is not possible and advised us to perform another test.
I decided to send the blood sample to Singapore for more extensive test and the result shown he is still with this deficiency. With that result, we decided to move forward and to pay him special attention and be watchful of his diet.
My neighbours' children also have the same problem. I noticed that they actually do not realised or research into what can the people with this deficiency take or eat. Basically, they only know about Fava Bean, traditional herbs and some medications.
However, legumes like the following which we consume regularly especially when you are leaving in Asean countries are also suppose to be prevented. The following is best to avoid and may not shown any effect when consume but in long run, it may cause organ failure as posted in www. g6pd.org :-
- Legumes like broad bean, black bean, kidney bean, pea bean, soy bean, Chinese long bean, french bean, dhal, miso, fu jook, alfafa sprouts, fenugreek, peanuts, tamarind (asam jawa), chick pea and etc.
- Other foods likely to contain hidden soy/legumes (to check label) : baked goods, chips, candies, gravy mix, low fat cheese, margarine, sausages/processed meat, Worcestershire sauce, salad dressing and etc.
- Bitter gourd
- Chinese herbs
- Vitamin K
- Tonic Water
- Sulfides e.g wine
- Menthol - toothpaste, candy, mouth wash
- Artificial blue food coloring
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
- Moth Balls
In order to help body to conserve G6PD, you need to take antioxidants, suitable fats and eating fewer refined carbohydrates:-
- Good Antioxidants, Strawberry/Black Current, Walnuts, Sunflower seeds, Pomegranate, Ginger
- Fruits : Pomegranate, Grapes, Orange, Pineapple, Lemon, Kiwi, Grape Fruit, Lemon
- Nuts/Seeds/Dried Fruit :Walnuts, Sunflower seeds, Apricot
- Vegetable: Chilly pepper, Red cabbage, Pepper, Parsley, Spinach, Cereals, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Carrots, Barley, Oats, Corn
- Roots : Ginger, Red beet, Garlic
