Dining with G6PD Deficiency in the Philippines: Safe Filipino Food Choices

Navigating Filipino menus with G6PD deficiency can feel overwhelming—but discovering safe, delicious options is possible with the right knowledge and tools. Popular dishes often include hidden triggers like fava beans, certain legumes, soy-based sauces, and sulfite-rich ingredients that may cause oxidative stress. The mm food app simplifies this challenge by translating menus and instantly flagging unsafe ingredients based on your dietary profile.

G6PD-Friendly Filipino Staples

These commonly safe options minimize known triggers:

• Grilled Proteins: Inihaw na manok (chicken barbecue), sinugbang isda (grilled fish), or pork barbecue (sans soy-heavy marinades)
• Non-Legume Veggies: Ginataang kalabasa (pumpkin in coconut milk), pinakbet (mixed veggies, omit bagoong alamang if sulfite-sensitive)
• Rice Dishes: Plain steamed rice, garlic rice, or arroz caldo (chicken rice porridge) without saffron
• Non-Citrus Soups: Tinola (ginger-chicken soup), homemade nilaga (beef stew) with safe vegetables

Traditional Dishes Requiring Caution

Avoid or modify these common hazards:

• Foods with Fava Beans: Pancit palabok, kare-kare with legumes
• Vinegar-Heavy Dishes: Adobo with soy sauce/sulfites, kinilaw (raw fish ceviche)
• Processed Meats: Tocino, longganisa with nitrate preservatives
• Soy/TVP-Based: Tofu sisig, mock meats in vegetarian dishes

Dining Out with the mm food App:

1. Set your profile: Select "G6PD Deficiency" under dietary restrictions
2. Scan or upload a Filipino menu photo
3. Receive instant translations and AI-powered safety flags:
   • Foods highlighted GREEN = low-risk
   • RED warnings for trigger ingredients
   • Custom alerts for added sulfites or legumes
4. Save favorite safe dishes and share dietary notes with restaurants

While individual tolerances vary, our app cross-references 50+ common triggers against menu descriptions. For optimal safety, always confirm preparation methods with staff. Embrace Filipino flavors confidently—minus the worry!