What does favism mean?
Favism is a medical term for an acute hemolytic reaction that can occur when a person with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD, deficiency eats fava beans, also called broad beans. The enzyme deficiency makes red blood cells vulnerable to oxidative damage, so exposure can trigger sudden red-cell destruction. Symptoms may include anemia, jaundice, abdominal pain, weakness, and, in severe cases, complications affecting the kidneys or other organs. Favism is associated especially with populations in which G6PD deficiency is common and broad beans are traditionally eaten, including parts of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The term is also used more broadly for sensitivity to fava beans associated with the deficiency. Because the reaction can be serious, people diagnosed with G6PD deficiency are often advised to avoid fava beans and to seek prompt medical care after possible exposure.
nounAn acute hemolytic condition caused by eating fava or broad beans in a person with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. It can produce sudden anemia, jaundice, abdominal pain, and other serious complications.
- An acute hemolytic reaction, especially an attack of hemolytic anemia, following the ingestion of fava beans by someone with G6PD deficiency.
"The child developed acute hemolysis after eating broad beans, a classic presentation of favism."
"Genetic testing revealed G6PD deficiency after the patient experienced favism."
"Public-health warnings about favism are especially important in regions where broad beans are a common food."
The plural is uncommon in general use; in clinical writing, “cases of favism” or “favism episodes” is often more natural.
"The report described two favisms following broad-bean exposure."
Favism turns a nutritious bean into a medical emergency for people with G6PD deficiency.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does favism come from?
Favism was formed in English from fava, a term for the broad bean, together with the suffix -ism, indicating a condition or pathological effect. The English word fava came through Italian fava from Latin faba, meaning “bean.” Related forms include faba, favaceous, and faviform, all reflecting the same Latin root.
How favism is actually used
This is primarily a medical and genetic term. It should not be used as a general synonym for any reaction to beans: favism specifically concerns a potentially severe hemolytic reaction in people with G6PD deficiency.
Easily confused with favism
Fascism is a political ideology, whereas favism is a potentially life-threatening medical reaction associated with fava beans and G6PD deficiency.