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Food Additives and G6PD deficiency

Many people with G6PD deficiency are sensitive to sulfites. This is because G6PD is an essential enzyme in the reduction of sulfa compounds to sulfate, the form that is usable in the body. Sulfite sensitivity in G6PD deficiency can show up in a number of ways, including sulfite induced asthma, hives, headaches, behavior problems or even hemolysis.

Sulfa drugs are based on or derived from the chemical sulfonamide which contains a sulfur dioxide group in each molecule.. A common sulfa drug is Celebrex, prescribed for the pain of arthritis, and a typical 200 mg pill has the sulfite punch of a glass of red wine. When you are prescribed a drug, look at the data sheet that comes with it. If the data sheet mentions sulfite preservatives, sulfa drugs or gives a warning to the sulfite sensitive, this is something you will need to discuss with a doctor or pharmacist. If no warning signs are present, look at the chemical structure of the drug. If it contains a sulfur dioxide group (S with two O's), the drug is a sulfa compound. For the G6PD deficient person, the risks vs. benefits of taking a sulfa drug need to be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.

Sulfites are used as preservatives, in many foods to prevent browning reactions. So sulfite sensitive individuals should avoid foods with the following terms listed on their label: sulfur dioxide, potassium metabisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium bisulfite, and sodium sulfite.

Some common foods to which sulfites are added include: coconut, dried potatoes and potato flakes, dried fruits, corn starch, high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, wine, grapes from Chile are sometimes treated with SO2, golden raisins, grape juice, wine vinegar and some apple cider vinegar. Sulfites need to be listed on the label, per FDA regulations unless they are added to an ingredient in which case they will be hidden (ie. Corn syrup which is derived using sulfites, when listed as an ingredient in foods does not list the presence of sulfites on the label).

Soy

Many families with G6PD deficiency avoid all legumes and this includes soy. Soy, because it is cheap is a common food additive in the US.

Soy lurks in nearly everything these days, even in products where we would not reasonably expect it. In the USA, it's in Bumblebee canned tuna, Chef Boyardee Ravioli, Hershey's chocolate, many of the Baskin Robbins 31 flavors, McDonalds and other fast-food burgers, some Pizza Hut pizzas, many luncheon meats, most breads, muffins, doughnuts, lemonade mixes, hot chocolate, some baby foods, and tens of thousands of other popular products.

Soy goes by many aliases. Food processors are less likely to list the three-letter word "soy" than a technical term such as "textured vegetable protein (TVP), "textured plant protein", "hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)", "vegetable protein concentrate", "vegetable oil" or "MSG (monosodium glutamate)".

Ingredient lists also include words such as "lecithin", "vegetable oil", "vegetable broth", "bouillon", "natural flavor" or "mono-diglyceride" that do not necessarily, but are likely to, come from soy.

Food labels and ingredient lists change. Check them every single time. Manufacturers can switch the ingredients used in food products without warning..

Peanuts

Peanuts are another legume that is avoided by many with G6PD deficiency. If only we could simply avoid peanuts and peanut butter!! But peanuts are often a hidden ingredient in baking mixes, Asian foods, cereals, sauces and salad dressings. Hydrolyzed vegetable or plant protein may also contain peanuts.

Salicylates – Aspirin like compounds that are used as food additives or preservatives.

Most lists for G6PD deficiency contraindicate aspirin, but what about aspirin like (salicytic acid) compounds that are used as food additives in many processed foods:

Artificial menthol flavor, including artificially mint flavored gums, mouthwashes and toothpastes, licorice, FD & C Yellow #5, Benzoates, BHA, BHT, TBHQ.

Legume additives in Foods

As companies strive to produce foods that are both lower in fat and less expensive to produce, more and more additives and thickeners are developed using legumes.

Some examples of vegetable gum thickeners that are legumes include: alfalfa, pea protein, locust bean gum, (added to dairy products), carob bean gum, gum Arabic, acacia, cassia, licorice, tragacanth, astragulus, tamarind, lupine, and guar.

Drugs to Avoid

Food to Avoid

Staying Healthy Cookbook

List of Legumes

G6PDD Diet Suggestions

Printable Contraindicated List

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