favism

favism A condition characterized by hemolytic anemia (breakup of red blood cells) that occurs after a person eats fava beans or is exposed to the pollen of the fava plant. This dangerous reaction occurs exclusively in people with a deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), an X-linked genetic trait. However, not all G6PD-deficient families appear to be at risk for favism; this indicates that an additional genetic factor is needed in order to create susceptibility to favism. See also deficiency, G6PD.