I am not a doctor. I am a volunteer who has spent more than a decade learning about thalassemia to help those who need help. I am very well informed about nutrition and why thals need added nutrients. I have attended many thalassemia conferences in order to learn from the very best thal doctors on earth, and many of them recognize the value I bring to the thalassemia community and lend advice when needed.
Yes, I have seen the studies on anemia about folic acid and iron combined and since both are required to build red blood cells, results are better when both are taken if the patient's anemia is nutrient related. The nonsense about eggs was based on bad research and bad research techniques. In fact, the whole argument against cholesterol is based on false science. Eggs are a very healthy food. What should be avoided are empty calories like excess sugar and highly processed foods, which have been stripped of most nutritional value. I recommend that thals eat a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables so they can get needed nutrients and antioxidants. Antioxidants are often the forgotten part of thal diet, but do more to protect your body from the products of red cell breakdown and the damage done by iron than anything else you can take. One thing I do suggest is that patients show the Standards of Care for Thalassemia document to their doctors if their doctors are not very familiar with the current standards of treatment. You can find this in our Documents section (third item on the list).