G6pd deficiency: Overview G6PD deficiency is

Overview G6PD deficiency is a genetic condition in which the body lacks enough of an enzyme (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) that helps protect red blood cells. It is caused by mutations in the G6PD gene and can lead to red blood cell breakdown when exposed to certain triggers, such as infections, certain foods (e.g., fava beans), or ... G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells and can cause hemolytic anemia. Learn about the risk factors, triggers, diagnosis, and prevention of this condition from Johns Hopkins Medicine. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase ( G6PD) deficiency is 1 of the commonest human enzymopathies, caused by inherited mutations of the X-linked gene G6PD . G6PD deficiency makes red cells highly vulnerable to oxidative damage, and therefore susceptible to hemolysis. Over 200 G6PD mutations are known: approximately one-half are polymorphic and therefore common in various populations. Some 500 million persons with any of these mutations are mostly asymptomatic throughout their lifetime; however ... Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. In affected individuals, a defect in an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase causes red blood cells to break down prematurely.