G6PD Deficiency Avoid Triggers, Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Causes Hemolytic Anemia

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an often symptomless, genetic disorder.  By avoiding certain triggers, most with this deficit live a healthy, active life.

G6PD is a guardian enzyme to your red blood cells.  When you have a deficiency of this enzyme your red blood cells are in peril of being damaged or destroyed.

Certain medications, chemicals, foods or infections can trigger red blood cell destruction.  If too many red blood cells are lost as a consequence of insufficient G6PD protection, the result causes hemolytic anemia.

You may not know your have G6PD deficiency disorder until you’ve been exposed to red blood cell damaging triggers.  Common triggers to avoid are:

Your best way to live with a glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is to avoid these triggers.  And likewise avoid this cause for hemolytic anemia.

Symptoms of G6PD deficiency caused hemolytic anemia include:

Once the trigger is avoided, your body’s natural replacement of new red blood cells eases your symptoms within a couple of weeks.

In rare cases, a G6PD deficiency can cause chronic anemia or more serious health problems.

Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is most common in:

  • African American males
  • Mediterranean decent ~  Italians, Greeks, Arabs, Sephardic Jews

If you are in one of these high risk groups, ask your health care professional to test you for this anemia causing deficiency.

Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase plays a vital role in healthy metabolism as well.

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