What are the problems if one is a thalassemia carrier?
The thalassemia carrier is like any normal individual. Only the hemoglobin may be 1-2 g/dL lower, and peripheral smear usually shows red cell microcytosis. Folic acid supplementation can improve hemoglobin levels. Only when a carrier marries another carrier, there is risk of thalassemia major child–this is preventable by timely prenatal diagnosis.
