Special Diet For G6pD Patients

G6PD or glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase is a condition in which the body doesn't have enough of these enzymes which are very important for the red blood cells to function normally. Special diet for g6pd patients has to be observed for them to live a normal, and healthy life.

The diets for g6pd patients have to be properly monitored since wrong intake of food or medicines may be life-threatening for the patient. Special diet for g6pd patients has to be followed strictly to prevent the onset of symptoms.


G6pd deficiency diets has to be communicated very well to the patient and to his family; to prevent trigger attacks and symptoms. It is important that everyone, not only the patient, understands the condition. If properly followed, no symptoms or life–threatening complications will take place. The following special diet for g6pd patient are helpful in maintaining the health of the individual.

1. Vitamins – it is important to take vitamins in its allowable dosage. The type of vitamins to take on a daily basis should have been approved by your doctor. It is advisable that vitamins come from natural foods. Mostly the B vitamins are recommended as supplements.

2. Cholesterol – it is important for healthy nerves; most g6pd deficient people have low cholesterol levels; so every individual should ensure that he has enough fats & oil intake everyday; coming also from natural sources. Animal fats and vegetable oils like coconut, palm and olive oils.


3. Antioxidants – this plays an important role in the special diet for g6pd patients. Levels of antioxidants the blood will greatly reduce the damage of red blood cells; these are usually found in most foods around us; including berries, nuts & seeds, fruits & vegetables, cereals, roots & tubers. Other foods like garlic, tea, and red grapes.


4. Minerals – it would be best if your mineral intake would be from ordinary, table foods; that is from foods that you are allowed to eat.


5. Carbohydrates – these foods are allowed except those containing refined sugar, flour and corn syrups that are high in fructose.


6. Sulfur – we need sulfur in our body; but these should come from sulfates and not sulfites. Special diets for g6pd patients would require you to read the labels. Sulfates from food come from various sources like condiments, dairy products, baked goodies, beers, salad dressings; fresh, canned or frozen fish and shellfish. Snack foods and pastas also have sulfates; but you have to know which of these are not included in your list of not-to-eat foods.
7. Vegetables - it's still best to eat a wide selection of vegetables; broccoli, alfalfa sprouts, red bell peppers, kale, spinach and beets.
8. Fruits – included in this list are cherries, oranges, berries, plums and prunes. Special diets for g6pd patients are found in almost all foods around us. The individual with this condition, with the help of his family; should learn to make the foods to be eaten as varied and as presentable as possible to encourage him to eat; to prevent the onset of symptoms.