Discussion Forums > Diet, Nutrition and Supplements
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation in Thalassemia
Andy Battaglia:
Hi Sharmin,
Kindervital is a nice supplement. I particularly like that is is from natural sources which means its absorption will be enhanced and that the vitamins and minerals are in forms the body can actually use. The vitamin C content is low so there will be no worries about too much. It is also suitable for vegetarians which is a plus for many people. I think this is a good all purpose supplement that you can safely take along with other supplements.
Manal:
Andy, as we all know Vitamin E is fatty soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver when it is excess in the body as the body can not get rid of it and therefore harming the liver. Since we are giving our children high doses of vitamin E ( my son takes Vitamin E 400 alternating days in addition to the vitamin E found in the Yummi bears ) since thal are usually having defiency in Vitamin E. So does measuring its range in blood is enough to be in the safe side?? How many times in the year??
manal
Andy Battaglia:
Testing vitamin E should be done annually. The amounts your son is taking is no danger. Thalassemia depletes vitamin and folic acid to such a degree, that high doses are necessary to counter this. These stresses on the body are ongoing and require constant replacement. This goes for natural vitamin E only. Synthetic can be of some danger in high doses.
Sharmin:
Andy,
Do you know of any supplements beneficial in autoimmune disorders?
Thanks,
Sharmin
Andy Battaglia:
Sharmin,
With autoimmune disorders, the goal is to suppress the immune system, so it isn't advised to take substances that stimulate the immune system. There isn't a lot known about why the immune system turns on cells in its own body. Suppression of the immune system is done with drugs like prednisone, splenectomy and even drugs used to suppress the immune system during cancer treatments. Once area currently under study involves glucosamine and similar compounds because they do seem to have some immunosuppressive properties. http://www.physorg.com/news98368825.html
There is also a short list of herbs and supplements used to combat autoimmune disorders at http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/autoimmune-conditions-002386.htm
--- Quote ---Herbs and Supplements for autoimmune conditions
Beta-Carotene
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Gotu Kola
Lipase
--- End quote ---
I have also seen mention of alpha lipoic acid, vitamin D and Pycnogenol. Pycnogenol® is the patented trade name for a water extract of the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica), which is grown in coastal southwest France.
I would suggest talking to your doctor or perhaps Dr Vichinsky about the value of this approach. Because of the nature of autoimmune disorders, care must be taken to not overstimulate the immune system. Everything I've read says to consult with your doctor before trying a supplement approach. Part of this is due to lack of research and part because certain supplements can stimulate the immune system and make the autoimmune reaction worse.
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