Answered by: Dr Sri Viknarajan
Anonymous 13 monthsI am a man age 26, I want to ask does taking fish oil supplement increase serum ferritin in Thalassemia Major patients?
Hello and good afternoon.
Thank you for your question.
Based on your question, I understand that you are worried about your situation. I will try to help you.
Nutritional deficiencies are common in thalassemia, due to hemolytic anemia, increased nutritional requirements, and morbidities such as iron overload, diabetes, and chelator use.
You should be evaluated annually by a registered dietitian regarding adequate dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, folate, trace minerals (copper, zinc, and selenium) and antioxidant vitamins (E and C). Annual nutritional laboratory testing should include albumin, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, fasting glucose, fasting plasma zinc, serum copper, ceruloplasmin, serum selenium, alpha and gamma tocopherol, plasma ascorbate, and serum folate.
Regarding your question, Omega-3 PUFAs, abundant in fish oil, have been known for their cardioprotective effects. Although they are substrates in lipid peroxidation, the by-products of lipid peroxidation were not increased after omega-3 PUFA supplement. However, in intensive oxidative stress due to iron overload, omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplement should be used with caution, unless the antioxidant level is adequate.
Therefore I highly recommend you speak to your doctor regarding your situation to provide you with the safest and best route of care to manage your condition as a whole, taking into account the various factors mentioned above and more. You can contact our doctor online for further information and treatment.
I hope this answer helps you. Thank you.
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