Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Minor => Topic started by: Sharon22 on August 08, 2012, 04:15:44 AM

Title: Fortified food implications
Post by: Sharon22 on August 08, 2012, 04:15:44 AM

I'm from Australia, both kids have Beta Thal Minor.

All our processed foods (all breads and cereals especially) here are heavily fortified with iron and folic acid.

Would taking folic acid suppliments on top of this be overdosing the children?

Title: Re: Fortified food implications
Post by: Andy Battaglia on August 08, 2012, 11:45:14 PM

It depends how much folic acid is in the food. The kids should get at least 400 mcg daily. If at all possible, find foods not fortified with iron.

Title: Re: Fortified food implications
Post by: Sharon22 on August 09, 2012, 12:51:23 AM

Thanks Andy

I will check the folic acid levels added and work it out.

It is impossible to avoid the iron - all our processed foods have it.  I counteract it by feeding them very little red meat - mostly chicken and the occassional fish. I know I should avoid feeding them processed foods but life is so crazy I don't have time to make bread/biscuits or cereal from scratch so am stuck with supermarket food.  At least for dinner I feed them meat and 3 vege so no additives there!

Cheers