Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major

maintaining hb levels

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Emby:
hi maha,

i am not just yet....thank you for that...i probs start giving him that.  my younger sons hb was maintaining well before the tx change.  i want his doc to change it back.  i will be talking to her after blood test this week.       

Emby:
hi,

i have just read something about vit e...am worried if taking it would affect sirum ferritin levels and also not found something that say it could increase hb level...please may i have more info on vit e and thalasseamia....what else could be taken to increase hb...thanks.

Lena:
Hi Emby,

I doubt anything else can raise hb levels than blood itself. Why don't you try shorter transfusion intervals for one or two times and see what happens?

Lena.

Andy Battaglia:
Hi Emby,

Vitamin E would have no effect on serum ferritin levels. It was first established in the late 1970's that thalassemics were typically deficient in vitamin E. Supplementation has long been recommended. There is a belief that vitamin E can extend the lives of red blood cells by its antioxidant effect.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/958850-treatment


--- Quote ---Vitamin E deficiency: Vitamin E deficiency has been reported in patients with severe thalassemia. Some of the hemolysis in this population was attributed to peroxidation of the RBC membrane lipids by an iron-mediated free radical effect. As an antioxidant, vitamin E is expected to decrease cell toxicity.
--- End quote ---

I believe it is one of the most important supplements because of this antioxidant effect, which helps protect the organs from iron damage. Antioxidants in general are highly recommended for everyone but especially thals because they do need to try and protect their cells from iron oxidation which damages and destroys cells. Diets high in antioxidants and antioxidant supplements can play key roles in optimizing the health in thalassemia. As far as safety, doses up to 1000 IU natural vitamin E daily have shown no ill effects and many thals take that daily dosage. For teens, I would suggest 200-400 IU daily of natural vitamin E. Do not use what is known as dl-tocopherol. It is a synthetic form of E with very little value and can be harmful in high doses. The label should say d-tocopherol. Mixed tocopherols are the best, as they combine the various forms of vitamin E as found in nature. Look for mixed complex vitamin E. I have taken 400 IU daily for 35 years. I am absolutely convinced about its value.

Emby:
thank you lena and andy,

they are having blood tests today...am hoping, inshaallah, hb not dropped further...i need to convince my sons to take it because they won't take anything unless its prescribed by their doc.

keep well

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