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Hemoglobin
international journal for hemoglobin research
Volume 40, 2016 - Issue 4
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Short Communication

Is Vitamin C Supplementation in Patients with β-Thalassemia Major Beneficial or Detrimental?

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Pages 293-294 | Received 14 Mar 2016, Accepted 23 Apr 2016, Published online: 05 Aug 2016
 

Abstract

Globally, β-thalassemia major (β-TM) is one of the most common hereditary disorders. Multiple blood transfusions, that are a life-saving therapy in patients with β-TM, is a major source of iron overload. Iron overload can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Research evidence indicates that oxidative stress induced by iron overload, is one of the major precipitating causes of vitamin C deficiency in β-TM patients. It has previously been shown that patients with β-TM have significantly lower levels of vitamin C as compared to healthy individuals. It is believed that vitamin C can reduce both ferric (Fe3+) and ferrous (Fe2+) ions, and also facilitate the accessibility of iron to chelators through increase of iron release from the reticuloendothelial system. Despite the potential benefits of vitamin C in patients with β-TM, several areas of concern exist that should be addressed by high quality research designs. Some recommendations have been provided through this study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

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