Adverse effects of herbal or dietary supplements in G6PD deficiency: a systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#dietary-supplements #drug-related-side-effects-and-adverse-reactions #glucosephosphate-dehydrogenase-deficiency #hemolysis #humans

Adverse effects of herbal or dietary supplements in G6PD deficiency: a systematic review

Lee et al., 2017 | Br J Clin Pharmacol | Systematic Review

Citation

Lee Shaun Wen Huey, Lai Nai Ming, ... Chong David Weng Kwai. Adverse effects of herbal or dietary supplements in G6PD deficiency: a systematic review. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2017-Jan;83(1):172-179. doi:10.1111/bcp.12976

Abstract

AIM: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common genetic disorder, affecting nearly 400 million individuals worldwide. Whilst it is known that a number of drugs, foods and chemicals can trigger haemolysis in G6PD deficient individuals, the association between herbal and dietary supplements and haemolysis is less clear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between herbal or dietary supplements and adverse events in G6PD deficient individuals. METHODS: We searched 14 electronic databases from their inception until November 2015 for articles describing the use of herbal or dietary supplements in G6PD deficient individuals. Additional publications were identified from manually searching textbooks, conference abstracts and the grey literature. All study designs were included as long as they contained clinical information. These gathered findings were summarized narratively. RESULTS: Thirty-two publications met inclusion criteria. These reported on 10 herbal and dietary supplements. Overall evidence linking haemolysis to a herbal/dietary supplement was only found for henna. No evidence of harm was observed for vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, Gingko biloba and α-lipoic acid. CONCLUSIONS: The review showed that there was insufficient evidence to contravene the use of most herbal or dietary products at therapeutic doses in G6PD deficient subjects.

Key Findings

Thirty-two publications met inclusion criteria. These reported on 10 herbal and dietary supplements. Overall evidence linking haemolysis to a herbal/dietary supplement was only found for henna. No evidence of harm was observed for vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, Gingko biloba and α-lipoic acid.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Dietary Supplements
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
  • Hemolysis
  • Humans
  • Plant Preparations

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-c

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09