Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Miscellaneous Questions => Topic started by: Manal on November 24, 2006, 10:02:50 PM

Title: Overload
Post by: Manal on November 24, 2006, 10:02:50 PM

Dear all

Something came up to my mind which i am not sure its silly or not. Are we sure that iron is the only mineral that overloads as a result of blood transfusion (keep in mind that some people filter the blood and others don't have this option ) ?  Blood is supposed to have other minerals, so why iron in particular that overloads? What about zinc, copper,............any other mineral ????

Got any idea???

Manal

Title: Re: Overload
Post by: Andy Battaglia on November 24, 2006, 10:51:54 PM

Iron is found in the center of every hemoglobin molecule and builds up with every unit of blood taken. That is why it becomes an issue. It is a main component of blood and the other minerals are not. Whatever trace amounts might possibly be in blood would not be a problem.

Title: Re: Overload
Post by: Manal on November 24, 2006, 11:10:43 PM

Thanks Andy a lot.  I suppose it was really a silly question :huh :wink

Manal