title: Is Vitamin C Supplementation in Patients with β-Thalassemia Major Beneficial or Detrimental?
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 (Fe(3+)) and ferrous (Fe(2+)) 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.
authors: a Student Research Committee , Thalassemia Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Sari , Iran.
authors: Hadi
authors: H
authors: Darvishi Khezri
authors: b Student Research Committee, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing , School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.
authors: Amir
authors: A
authors: Emami Zeydi
authors: b Student Research Committee, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing , School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.
authors: Hassan
authors: H
authors: Sharifi
authors: a Student Research Committee , Thalassemia Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Sari , Iran.
authors: Hossein
authors: H
authors: Jalali
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001206:Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology; D000075202:Contraindications; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000209:etiology; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D001205:Ascorbic Acid
keywords: chelating agent; iron overload; vitamin C; β-Thalassemia major (β-TM)