Puja,
IP6 can be taken all the time along with other supplements. It will not be found in the B-complex or a daily vitamin so it does need to be taken in addition. It should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water at least 30 minutes before eating for best absorption. If it bothers the stomach, it's OK to have tea after taking IP6, but no milk. If his iron levels rise, you should consider taking IP6 all the time. Even without high iron, IP6 has great value for its antioxidant effect. Iron is not the only cause of oxidative stress in thalassemia. The imbalance of alpha and beta globin also leads to oxidation, which is believed to shorten the lives of red blood cells. Antioxidants play a big role in the health of thalassemics and a diet and supplements high in antioxidants are keys to countering the stresses present in thal. I asked Dr. Rachmilewitz at the Singapore Conference about the possibility of combining Fermented Papaya Preparation (FPP) with antioxidants like vitamin E and IP6 to measure the cumulative effect and he seemed very interested in this idea. In fact, the next time he gave that same presentation at a lunch at the conference, he had added that suggestion to his talk. Because FPP has been shown to increase the effect of other supplements it is quite likely that it will do the same in combination with antioxidants.