Zinc

The good docs in Oakland stressed the importance of zinc for thals.  Thals are often deficient in zinc.  Zinc has a role in many of the important processes in our bodies, for example the pancreas requires zinc to produce insulin, the bones require zinc to maintain a healthy bone density, the endocrine system and the nervous system all require zinc.  Ensure you are taking a multivitamin with 100% of the daily recommended zinc. 

We were told that one should focus on getting a multi containing 100% of the daily recommended levels of zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium etc.

Vitamin C was also stressed a lot - as well as vitamin D.

We have to keep stressing the importance of zinc. I am very happy to see Oakland finally coming around on vitamin C. The position of the thal world on vitamin C has been one from the dark ages and needs adjustment. We need much more study on the potential use of C even as an iron chelator and hiding from it won't help anyone.

 
I am totally confused. I thought vit C was supposed to be limited and away from food?
Zahra

This subject has long bothered me, as almost all thals are deficient in C and C is one of the most effective known antioxidants. Yet, it was shown in thals with high iron load, that C can cause too much iron to be released at once, leading to clumping in the heart and reduced heart function. However, what does this mean for thals with a low iron load? And how can thals just avoid such an important nutrient and still be healthy? And since C causes so much iron to be freed up where it can easily be chelated, why aren't we taking better advantage of this and doing more research into the use of vitamin C in thalassemia? I have many questions.

Sharmin, we'd like to know more about what Oakland says today concerning vitamin C dosage in thalassemics.

Andy,

We were told that Lil A can have 250mcg of vitamin C... I will ask for more information when I speak with them.  They did stress that having vitamin C was very important.

I have been taking vit C for years now without a break. 250 mg with desferal in the early years and then same dosage with ferriprox and combo therapy.

Sharmin, which multivitamin do you give to A?

Bostonian,

For many years I was giving him Progressive for kids - but recently progressive began adding iron into their mulitivitamin formula.  For the last 2 years I have been giving him RAW ONE for MEN.  The vitamins and minerals seem to come from raw and natural sources.  Whole Foods in the US carries it.  Little A is 15 so an adult vitamin is ok for him - I wonder if there is a version for kids. 

Thanks Sharmin...I checked the ingredients on Raw One. It is much better than the one we are currently giving E. E stopped kids vits when she could swallow the tabs. General kids gummy did not have the trace elements and liquid vitamins tests too bad.  Thanks for thie info. we will try this one...