| VICIA
FABA BEANS AS A SOURCE OF L-DOPA |
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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”. |
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Ingestion of Faba Beans 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. |
| For
the incidence of G6PD is outlined in 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.” |
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Use of faba beans in the general population should be done with caution.
It would appear that the prudent thing to do prior to administering
Vicia Faba Beans as a source of L-dopa would be to test all patients for
glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency prior to starting in order to manage
favism properly. There is no need for pre-treatment testing with Mucuna. |
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Faba Beans are a safe alternative to Mucuna as a
source of L-dopa. |
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Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in U.S.
Army personnel.
Mil Med. 2006
Sep;171(9):905-7
Chinevere TD,
Murray CK,
Grant E Jr,
Johnson GA,
Duelm F,
Hospenthal DR.
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