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| VICIA FABA AS A SOURCE OF L-DOPA | |||
| CHK Nutrition does not use Faba Beans as the source of it's L-dopa | |||
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March 18, 2008 |
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We recently became aware of an alternate source of L-dopa that is available over the counter without prescription, “Vicia Faba Bean extract”. In reviewing the facts we felt we needed to pass this along. We also believe that due to the risks involved that Faba Beans are not a safe alternative to Mucuna. |
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Ingestion of Faba beans or extract can cause, “Favism” in individuals with glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (also known as, G6PD). Symptoms of Favism include hemolytic crisis, kidney failure, acute hemolytic anemia, and in severe cases death. |
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| For the incidence of G6PD we look to the U.S. Army study of 20061 which states, “Data were available for 63,302 (54,874 males and 8,428 females) subjects; 2.5% of males and 1.6% of females were deficient, with most having only moderate enzyme deficiency. African American males (12.2%) and females (4.1%), along with Asian males (4.3%), had the highest rates of G6PD deficiency.” | |||
| Use of faba beans or faba bean extract in the general population should be done with caution. We do not believe that it is a safe alternative to Mucuna as a source of L-dopa. | |||
| One final thought on use of faba beans as an alternate source of L-dopa. It would appear that the prudent thing to do prior to administering vicia faba beans or extract for the purpose obtaining L-dopa in the patient would be to test all individuals for glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency prior starting faba bean extract so that that possibility of favism evolving is managed properly. There is no need for pre-treatment testing with Mucuna. | |||
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