Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the body's metabolism. It helps convert glucose-6-phosphate into 6-phosphoglucono-δ-lactone, which is an important step in the pentose phosphate pathway. This pathway is essential for producing NADPH, a molecule that helps protect cells from oxidative stress and is vital for synthesizing fatty acids and nucleotides. G6PD is found in many tissues, especially in red blood cells, where it helps maintain their integrity. A deficiency in this enzyme can lead to hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells break down faster than they can be produced. This deficiency is often inherited and can be triggered by certain foods, medications, or infections.