The director of Aid-Life Herbal Research Hospital Dr. Eric Amoah has said that G6PD deficiency is a genetic abnormality that results in an inadequate amount of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in the blood.
This is a very important enzyme (or protein) that regulates various biochemical reactions in the body and it is a must-know status for everyone.
Speaking on APOMUDEN FIE a weekly health show with Ohene Addo on Plan B Fm, Dr Amoah said G6PD is also responsible for keeping red blood cells healthy so they can function properly and live a normal life span.
Without enough of it, red blood cells break down prematurely. This early destruction of red blood cells is known as hemolysis, and it can eventually lead to hemolytic anemia.
He explained that G6PD deficiency is a genetic abnormality that results in an inadequate amount of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in the blood.
This is a very important enzyme (or protein) that regulates various biochemical reactions in the body.
“G6PD is also responsible for keeping red blood cells healthy so they can function properly and live a normal life span. Without enough of it, red blood cells break down prematurely”.
This early destruction of red blood cells is known as hemolysis, and it can eventually lead to hemolytic anemia.
He indicated that for people with G6PD deficiency, hemolytic anemia can occur after eating fava beans or certain legumes.
It may also be triggered by infections or by certain drugs, such as antimalarials, a type of medication used to prevent and treat malaria, sulfonamides, a medication used for treating various infections, aspirin, a drug used for relieving fever, pain, and swelling, some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), The condition is also more common in men than in women.
He outlines the Symptoms of G6PD deficiency can include, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, urine that is dark or yellow-orange, fever, fatigue dizziness, paleness and jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
“Knowing your G6PD status helps to avoid certain drugs and foods that can jeopardize your health” he advised.
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