Tag: Vicine

Approximately 400 million people worldwide live with a genetic condition known as Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, which is the underlying cause of fava bean toxicity, or favism. This reaction can trigger a dangerous and rapid breakdown of red blood cells after consuming fava beans or inhaling their pollen.

Affecting approximately 400 million people worldwide, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic condition that makes red blood cells susceptible to damage from certain substances. For these individuals, consuming fava beans can trigger a life-threatening complication called favism, which causes the rapid destruction of red blood cells.