What is one of the most common causes of oxidative stress and hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency?

Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, which can lead to hemolysis. One of the most significant triggers of this condition is the consumption of fava beans. This is due to the presence of certain oxidant compounds in fava beans, such as vicine and convicine, which can cause an acute hemolytic reaction in individuals who are G6PD deficient. Upon ingestion, these compounds can lead to oxidative damage to red blood cells, making them more prone to destruction.

In contrast, the other listed options do not have the same established association with triggering hemolysis in G6PD deficiency. While nutrition plays an important role in overall health, a low-protein diet or high sugar intake does not specifically induce oxidative damage in the same way fava beans do. Similarly, excessive exercise may cause temporary oxidative stress, but it is not a direct and well-known trigger of hemolysis in this particular condition. Hence, fava beans represent a dietary restriction crucial for the management of G6PD deficiency due to their harmful effects.