G6PD deficiency (G6PDd) is one of the most common inherited enzyme deficiency in the world. Over 5% of the world’s population is affected. People who are G6PD deficient express various degrees of impairment of the activity of this important enzyme. Understand how G6PDd can be passed down in families. Go to: Did I Inherit G6PDd?

The most common known cause (trigger) for a hemolytic episode to occur is when a G6PD deficient person becomes sick with an infection. Thus it is very important to keep a healthy lifestyle and avoid getting run down or sick. Certain medicines, food and chemicals are known triggers of oxidative stress and should be avoided by anyone with G6PD deficiency. It is important to learn how to prevent hemolytic episodes.

G6PD deficiency is not evenly distributed around the world. High frequencies are found in the Sub-Saharan African, Mediterranean and South-East Asian countries. The USA population includes descendants of people from these regions and the overall frequency of G6PDd is estimated to be 4-7%. However, in African-American males, the prevalence is about 12%.