The potential link between inherited G6PD deficiency, oxidative stress, and vitamin D deficiency and the racial inequities in mortality associated with COVID 19 ScienceDirect How to Check Your Genetic Data for G6PD Deficiency Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase an overview ScienceDirect Topics Pentose Phosphate Pathway made simple. This pathway has two major jobs: Generate NADPH Produce ribose 5 phosphate NADPH protects cells from oxidative stress and supports fatty acid, cholesterol, steroid, nitric oxide, and respiratory burst