In a recent episode of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, the entertainment show raised awareness about Thalassemia Minor. This episode increased public knowledge about the condition, leading many to seek more information about it. In this article, you’ll learn about Thalassemia Minor, including what foods to eat and avoid.
Thalassemia is a genetic condition in which a person’s body does not produce enough haemoglobin. This is an important protein present in red blood cells. These cells do not function as well as they should with low levels of haemoglobin, so they cannot carry oxygen to other cells in a person’s body. All cells need oxygen to function.
Due to this lack of oxygen in the cells, people with thalassemia can develop anaemia, which may cause them to feel tired and weak.
Thalassemia minor is a relatively mild form of the disease that may not present with any symptoms. Although doctors may not need to treat some people with thalassemia minor, maintaining a nutritious diet can help manage the condition.
Symptoms
People with thalassemia minor don’t usually have symptoms. If symptoms occur, they’re likely to be mild.
With thalassemia mild, your red blood cells are smaller than those in people who don’t have the trait. This means you have lower levels of haemoglobin, which could result in mild anaemia. Possible symptoms include:
Pale skin
fatigue
weakness
Doctors sometimes mistake symptoms of thalassemia minor for iron deficiency.
What foods to eat and avoid in a thalassemia minor diet.
Foods to eat
People with thalassemia eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. They also highlight that a person’s diet should be lower in fats. Vitamin C helps the body excrete iron from the gut. However, consuming large quantities of vitamin C without using an iron chelator, such as deferoxamine, can pose a risk of fatal arrhythmias.
Furthermore, vitamin C helps to support the immune system.
People with thalassemia are immunocompromised, meaning some of their body’s defences against infection do not function properly.
Therefore, including vitamin C in a thalassemia minor diet, with a healthcare professional’s guidance, may be beneficial.
However, they may not be necessary for everyone. Individuals with thalassemia minor can discuss whether they need to monitor their vitamin C intake with a doctor, particularly if they are receiving blood transfusions.
Fruits and vegetables that are suitable sources of vitamin C
- citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits
- green and red sweet peppers
- strawberries
- kiwifruit
- broccoli
- tomatoes
Foods to avoid
Research indicates that hepcidin can undergo suppression in people with thalassemia, resulting in higher iron levels in the body. Hepcidin is a hormone that regulates the breakdown of iron in the body,
In people with thalassemia who need blood transfusions, iron can build and deposit in certain organs in the body, such as the liver and spleen. Therefore, people receiving frequent blood transfusions may have a higher risk of higher iron levels.
However, blood transfusions are usually the only necessaryTrusted Source
for more severe forms of thalassemia. Occasionally, those with mild types may require a transfusion to manage complications of the condition or following surgery or childbirth.
Due to these considerations, People with thalassemia may need to limit foods high in iron. However, individuals with thalassemia minor should discuss this with their doctor.
Foods containing higher amounts of iron include:
- fish
- meat
- products fortified with iron, such as some cereals and orange juices
- some vegetables, such as spinach
Managing thalassemia minor
Thalassemia minor usually causes no symptoms and does not increase the risk of further illness or death.
However, someone with thalassemia can help manage their condition by:
- eating a nutritious diet
- avoiding excess iron intake
- exercising regularly
- building relationships with others
- taking a folic acid supplement, if a doctor advises
- taking precautions against infections, such as keeping vaccinations up-to-date
Thalassemia minor treatment
The type of treatment doctors provide depends on how severe the thalassemia is. They explain that the more severe the disease is, the less haemoglobin there is in a person’s body, meaning their anemia may be worse.
Doctors may treat anemia in thalassemia using blood transfusions. Some people with thalassemia major may need regular blood transfusions. However, that those with thalassemia minor do not typically need transfusions because they may not have anaemia or only have a mild case.
In addition, Doctors often prescribe folic acid to those with thalassemia to help red blood cells develop. Someone with thalassemia minor may have mild symptoms or none at all. Therefore, they may only require little, if any, treatment from a doctor.
Summary
Thalassemia minor is a milder form of the genetic condition thalassemia. People with thalassemia minor may not experience any symptoms or require any treatment for the condition.
Because of how the body processes iron in the gut, people with thalassemia may have higher levels of the metal in their bodies. Additionally, if someone with the condition requires a blood transfusion, they may develop excess amounts of iron, which could be dangerous.
Experts advise people with thalassemia to monitor their iron intake and limit iron-rich foods, such as meat and fish. Eating a varied diet, including plenty of vegetables and fruit and lower amounts of fat, can help someone with thalassemia minor manage their condition.
However, individuals with thalassemia minor need to speak with a healthcare professional before changing their diet. A doctor can also recommend other methods to manage the condition.
