Are you looking for the right supplements and vitamins for Thalassemia Major?
Being a transfusion dependant 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
Thalassemia Major should not take iron supplements at all.
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
Buy Puritan’s Pride Vitamin E on Amazon.
Calcium and Vitamin D may be 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.
Other Supplements
Thalassemia major patients need two kinds of supplements:
- Iron overload supplements to assist with iron chelation and reducing oxidative stress
- HB improvement supplements to support the hemoglobin and reduce anemia and weakness
Iron Overload Supplements
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 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 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.
Buy Puritan’s Pride Milk Thistle on Amazon.
Hemoglobin Improvement Supplements
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 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.
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. Thalassemia major patients require iron chelation which depletes calcium and other minerals as well.
Hence it is important to maintain an adequate intake through diet or 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 thalassemia 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.
