Supplements and Vitamins for Thalassemia Major

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Are you looking for the right supplements and vitamins for Thalassemia Major?

Being a transfusion-dependent thalassemia patient myself, I’ve done a lot of research on the supplements and vitamins recommended for thalassemia major, and all the recommended products are given below. I have used most of these products while others are on my wishlist.

Please speak to your doctor before starting any medicines, supplements, and vitamins. What suits me, may not suit you.

Don’t forget to check out this article on the 6 best supplements to lower iron levels.

Multivitamin & B Complex

Centrum Silver is a great multivitamin for thal major patients. The most important thing you should look for when buying a multivitamin for a thalassemia major patient is that it should not contain iron or vitamin C.

Thalassemia Major should not take iron supplements at all.

Buy Centrum Silver on Amazon.


 

B-Complex is essential for Thalassemia Major. You want to make sure the B Complex you choose includes everything you need.

A good B-complex will help maintain hemoglobin and will also keep you energetic.

Buy Nature’s Bounty Super B-Complex on Amazon.


Individual Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory so it is very important you add this to your daily diet. It is recommended that you take anything from 400 to 600 mg daily.

Buy Puritan’s Pride Vitamin E on Amazon.


 

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium and Vitamin D maybe two of the most important dietary supplements for Thalassemia Major as they help in strengthening the bones and joints.

It is also important to understand that iron chelators also chelate other minerals from the body so it is important to supplement with calcium, zinc, and magnesium.

Buy Caltrate on Amazon.


Other Supplements

Thalassemia major patients need two kinds of supplements:

  1. Iron chelation supplements to assist with reducing ferritin levels and oxidative stress
  2. HB improvement supplements to support the hemoglobin and reduce anemia and weakness

Iron Chelation Supplements

IP6

IP6 is a great oral iron chelator and a lot of recent studies are talking about its positives. It’s safe to take and has loads of other benefits as well.

This article has everything you want to know about IP6 and iron chelation.

Buy Jarrow Formulas IP6 on Amazon.



Turmeric

Turmeric is a great supplement for Thalassemia Major patients. It is a potent antioxidant, iron chelator, and anti-inflammatory.

So it can work on multiple fronts by chelating iron, helping with joint pains, and reducing the oxidative stress on the organs.

Read: The Best Turmeric Supplements for Iron Chelation

Buy Nature’s Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin on Amazon.



Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is also a great supplement for Thalassemia Major patients. Studies have shown it to be a potent iron chelator and antioxidant.

On the other hand, it is great for the liver and you should definitely be taking it if you have elevated liver enzymes.

Here is an article I wrote about the best milk thistle for liver support. Don’t forget to check it out.

Buy Puritan’s Pride Milk Thistle on Amazon.


Supplements that may improve hemoglobin in Thalassemia Major

Resveratrol

Studies have shown that Resveratrol helps improve hemoglobin and red cell survival in thalassemia major. It can also reduce bilirubin levels as it reduces hemoglobin breakage.

Buy BioSchwartz Resveratrol on Amazon.



Quercetin

Quercetin is an effective iron chelator and also acts as an antioxidant. Both of these properties of quercetin therefore can have an effect on iron absorption and hence studies have shown that it is quite useful for Thalassemia Major patients.

Buy Jarrow Formulas Quercetin on Amazon.



Black Seed Oil

Studies have shown that black seed oil helps in maintaining HB levels and even improving them in some cases. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are great for thalassemia major.

It is also a great immunity booster and I think it is one of the most important foods for any thal.

Buy Healths Harmony Black Seed Oil on Amazon.


FAQs: Thalassemia Major Diet

Is milk good for thalassemia major?

Yes, milk is very good for thalassemia major as it is rich in Calcium. Iron chelation can also deplete calcium and other minerals as well which can cause severe deficiencies without even realizing.

Hence it is important to maintain an adequate intake of these through a good diet and supplementation.

Is tea good for thalassemia major?

Yes, tea is great for thalassemia major as it reduces iron absorption from the gut. Tea is also a powerful antioxidant and studies have shown that green tea can help chelate iron and reduce free radical damage.

Is broccoli good for thalassemia major?

All vegetables are good for thalassemia major patients as vegetables like broccoli contain non-heme iron. This kind of iron is not easily absorbed and is mostly excreted by the body.

What vitamins should I take for thalassemia major?

Doctors prescribe Vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, and Vitamin D to thal major patients. Multivitamins (without iron) are also prescribed for many people to fulfill their nutritional needs.

Is Vitamin C good for thalassemia Major?

No, Vitamin C increases iron absorption and should be taken with caution in thalassemia major. Some doctors even recommend taking Vitamin C only with an iron chelator.

Is wheatgrass an iron chelator?

Yes, studies have shown that wheatgrass is a potent oral iron chelator. Click here to read the article I wrote on the benefits of wheatgrass for thalassemia.