Role of Quercetin Supplementation on Iron Parameters in Blood Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients

Background: Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron overload is a condition in which the body absorbs and stores too much iron. In addition to repeated blood transfusions, increased gastrointestinal tract (GIT) iron absorption plays an important role in iron overload with thalassemia. Quercetin, a common flavonoid present in fruits and vegetables, exhibits diverse biological effects. Objective: To assess the effect of quercetin on iron overload parameters in blood transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients (TDT). Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-placebo group-led study was conducted on 110 TDT patients, more than 12 years of age, who were supplemented with either quercetin or a placebo capsule daily (500 mg) for 3 months. A blood sample was obtained for laboratory parameters at baseline and at the end of 3 months. Results: At the baseline time of the study, the demographic features and iron overload parameters of patients and the placebo group were not statistically different, while after three months of supplementation, there was a significant decrease in levels of serum iron, UIBC, serum ferritin and ferritin saturation rate, and a significant increase in TIBC in the patients compared with the placebo group. Conclusions: The study shows the significant role of quercetin on iron overload parameters in blood transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients.