G6PD deficiency is most likely triggered by which?

G6PD deficiency is most likely triggered by which?

• A. High-protein diet
• B. Fava beans and sulfa drugs
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Exercise only

Answer: (B)

When red blood cells face oxidative stress, cells that rely on the pentose phosphate pathway for NADPH production—like those in G6PD deficiency—can’t keep glutathione in its reduced, protective form. This makes the membranes susceptible to oxidative damage, leading to hemolysis. Fava beans contain oxidant compounds that markedly increase oxidative stress inside red cells, and sulfa drugs are known to generate reactive oxygen species that push those cells over the edge. In a person with G6PD deficiency, this combination reliably triggers acute hemolysis because the weakened antioxidant system can’t neutralize the extra oxidants. This is why fava beans and sulfa drugs are classic triggers. Other options aren’t typical precipitants: a high-protein diet doesn’t impose the oxidative stress that unmasks G6PD deficiency, and while very high doses of vitamin C can theoretically act as a pro-oxidant in some circumstances, it is not a common or classic trigger for hemolysis in G6PD deficiency. Exercise alone does not usually provoke the oxidative burst that leads to RBC destruction in this condition.

When red blood cells face oxidative stress, cells that rely on the pentose phosphate pathway for NADPH production—like those in G6PD deficiency—can’t keep glutathione in its reduced, protective form. This makes the membranes susceptible to oxidative damage, leading to hemolysis. Fava beans contain oxidant compounds that markedly increase oxidative stress inside red cells, and sulfa drugs are known to generate reactive oxygen species that push those cells over the edge. In a person with G6PD deficiency, this combination reliably triggers acute hemolysis because the weakened antioxidant system can’t neutralize the extra oxidants.

This is why fava beans and sulfa drugs are classic triggers. Other options aren’t typical precipitants: a high-protein diet doesn’t impose the oxidative stress that unmasks G6PD deficiency, and while very high doses of vitamin C can theoretically act as a pro-oxidant in some circumstances, it is not a common or classic trigger for hemolysis in G6PD deficiency. Exercise alone does not usually provoke the oxidative burst that leads to RBC destruction in this condition.