Metabolic disorders are inherited genetic defects that affect the way you metabolize your food. They affect about one in every 4,000 Americans, according to the Mayo Clinic. Metabolism is the process by which your body acquires energy from food. Enzymes are used to digest food to be absorbed by your cells. If you have a metabolic food disorder involving the fava, or broad bean, ingesting the bean or breathing in its pollen may cause hemolytic anemia.
G6PD
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is an enzyme needed by red blood cells to ensure a normal life span and for the purpose of oxidation processes in cells. G6PD maintains the balance of the coenzyme glutathione and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), which guarantees your red blood cells do not incur oxidative damage. People who have a deficiency of G6PH due to a genetic defect are susceptible to hemolytic anemia caused by the fava bean.
Fava Bean
Fava beans have been in cultivation for over 5,000 years in the Mediterranean and central Asia. The fava bean comes from the Vicia faba plant, which is an herbaceous annual bean plant. It is believed the legendary bean stalk Jack climbed was a fava bean plant. The fava bean, or broad bean, is low in fat and comprises between 20 percent and 40 percent protein. However, the fava bean also has the oxidants vicine and convicine that can cause damage to red blood cells if you have a G6PD deficiency.
Favism
Favism is the result of the insufficiency of G6PD due to a genetic abnormality that results in hemolytic anemia. Approximately 100 million people globally are affected, and possibly more, as many have not been exposed to fava beans, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Favism is seen more in areas where the bean is a food staple, such as in the Mediterranean, Bulgaria, the Middle East and China. Currently, as of 2011, there is no treatment for favism.
Hemolytic Anemia
When an individual with a G6PD deficiency is exposed to fava beans or pollen, the red blood cells are attacked and are no longer able to carry oxygen to the cells. This is called hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of a hemolytic attack include dark orange urine; a yellowing of the mucous membranes and skin; a rapid increase in body temperature; fatigue; rapid breathing; and rapid, weak pulse. Transfusions may help, as may dialysis, if acute renal failure ensues. A physician should be consulted for treatment options.
