Which Food Triggers G6PD? A Guide to Dietary Management

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

Affecting over 400 million people worldwide, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common enzyme defect that can cause red blood cell breakdown when triggered by specific foods, medications, or infections. Understanding which food triggers G6PD is therefore crucial for individuals managing this inherited condition to avoid adverse health reactions.

Quick Summary

G6PD deficiency is primarily managed by avoiding dietary triggers, especially fava beans and other legumes like soy. A comprehensive understanding of potential food and chemical exposures is essential to prevent a hemolytic crisis and maintain health.

Key Points

Fava Beans: Fava beans are the primary and most significant food trigger for G6PD deficiency due to their potent oxidant compounds.
Favism: The severe hemolytic anemia resulting from fava bean consumption is known as favism, and can cause jaundice, dark urine, and other serious symptoms.
Soy Products: Soybeans and soy-based foods like milk and tofu are considered potential triggers and are best avoided or approached with caution.
Hidden Triggers: Be vigilant about checking labels, as ingredients like fava bean flour, sulfites, and specific food colorings can be hidden in processed foods.
Safe Foods: Focus on a diet rich in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support red blood cell health.
Personalization: The severity and range of triggers can vary among individuals, so consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for a personalized diet plan.

The Primary Culprit: Fava Beans

For individuals with G6PD deficiency, one food stands out as the most common and potent trigger: the fava bean. Also known as broad beans, these legumes contain high concentrations of the compounds vicine and convicine. When metabolized by the body, these compounds produce potent oxidizing agents, divicine and isouramil. In G6PD-deficient red blood cells, which lack the necessary enzyme to protect against oxidative damage, this leads to a rapid and severe destruction of red blood cells, a condition known as favism. This can result in hemolytic anemia, which presents with symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, and fatigue. The severity of the reaction is influenced by factors like the quantity consumed and whether the beans were raw or cooked. Falafel made with fava beans is another potential risk. It is important to note that this reaction is not an allergy but a metabolic crisis.

Other Legumes and Potential Triggers

While fava beans are the most notorious offender, other legumes and certain foods have also been identified as potential triggers, though evidence varies or may depend on individual sensitivity.

Legumes Requiring Caution

Soy and Soy Products: Soybeans and derived products like soy milk and tofu have been flagged as potential triggers for G6PD-deficient individuals. Some health organizations recommend avoiding them, citing their potential to cause red blood cell damage.
Other Legumes: Sources present conflicting information on whether legumes beyond fava beans should be strictly avoided. Some caution against a wide range, including peanuts, peas, and lentils, while others suggest that avoiding only fava beans is sufficient. It is best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Additional Food-Related Triggers

Bitter Melon: This food contains vicine, the same hemolytic agent found in fava beans, and should be avoided by those with G6PD deficiency.
Certain Berries: Blueberries and some other berries have been mentioned as potential triggers by some sources and may be best to avoid.
Sulfites: Found in foods and beverages like dried fruits, wine, and processed meats, sulfites can cause issues and should be approached with caution.
Artificial Dyes: Specifically, artificial blue food coloring has been listed as a harmful trigger in processed foods.
Tonic Water: This beverage contains quinine, a compound that can trigger hemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals and should be avoided.
Large Doses of Vitamin C: While dietary intake is generally safe, high-dose intravenous vitamin C infusions can act as a pro-oxidant and induce hemolysis.
Menthol and Eucalyptus: Found in certain products like cough drops and mouthwash, these substances should be avoided.

Comparison of G6PD Trigger vs. Safe Foods

To help navigate dietary choices, here is a comparison of some commonly discussed food items for those with G6PD deficiency.


Food Item	G6PD Trigger?	Reasoning/Comments	Safe Alternatives
Fava Beans	Yes, high risk	Contain vicine and convicine, potent oxidizing agents.	Black beans, kidney beans (with caution based on personal tolerance).
Soy Products	Caution, possible trigger	Some sources recommend avoidance due to potential oxidative effects.	Cow's milk, almond milk, oat milk.
Blueberries	Caution, possible trigger	Listed as a trigger by some organizations; best to approach with caution.	Apples, bananas, melons.
Bitter Melon	Yes, high risk	Contains vicine, the same trigger compound found in fava beans.	Cucumbers, zucchini.
Tonic Water	Yes	Contains quinine, a known hemolytic agent.	Regular water, herbal tea.
Lean Meats	No	Generally considered safe and a good source of protein.	Fish, poultry.
Whole Grains	No	Recommended as a source of complex carbohydrates.	Oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread.

Safe and Recommended Foods

For a balanced diet, individuals with G6PD deficiency can focus on foods rich in antioxidants and B vitamins, which help protect red blood cells and promote overall health.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Foods high in antioxidants help combat oxidative stress. Good choices include:

Tomatoes
Strawberries
Oranges
Grapes
Apples
Spinach
Kale
Sweet potatoes
Pomegranates

B Vitamins and Folic Acid: A balanced diet rich in B vitamins and folic acid is beneficial for red blood cell production. Sources include leafy greens, fortified cereals, and lean meats.

Healthy Fats: Incorporating healthy fats, such as extra-virgin olive oil, can also contribute to a healthy diet.

Conclusion

While a diagnosis of G6PD deficiency requires careful dietary management, it is possible to live a healthy and active life by avoiding specific trigger foods and substances. The most important food to eliminate is the fava bean due to its high concentration of powerful oxidants. Other potential triggers like soy products, bitter melon, certain berries, and sulfites should be approached with caution, with some individuals exhibiting higher sensitivity than others. Consulting a healthcare provider for a personalized dietary plan is always the best approach, and being a diligent label reader is essential to avoid hidden ingredients. By focusing on a balanced diet rich in safe, antioxidant-rich foods, individuals with G6PD deficiency can effectively manage their condition and prevent adverse health events.

For more information on G6PD deficiency and its triggers, the G6PD Deficiency Foundation provides a comprehensive resource: G6PDD Lifestyle Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

The single most important food to avoid is the fava bean (broad bean) due to its high concentration of vicine and convicine, which can cause a severe hemolytic crisis.

While fava beans are the main concern, caution is often advised for other legumes like soy products. For other types of beans and legumes, evidence is less certain and can vary by individual; consulting a doctor is recommended for personalized advice.

Many health organizations recommend avoiding soy products, including soy milk and tofu, as they are considered potential triggers for hemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals.

A reaction can cause symptoms of hemolytic anemia, including jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes), dark or tea-colored urine, paleness, fatigue, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath.

No, cooking does not remove the dangerous compounds, vicine and convicine, from fava beans. They remain a trigger even when cooked.

Yes, some artificial food dyes, particularly blue dye, and sulfites used as preservatives can be problematic and should be avoided.

Consuming a trigger food can lead to a hemolytic crisis, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them, resulting in hemolytic anemia and related symptoms.