Green Tea Consumption Prevented Iron Overload: A Case Report of Thalassemia Intermedia

Abstract

Abstract: This is the first report of commercially available green tea preparation preventing iron overload in a thalassemia intermedia patient. After 11 months drinking 2 cups of infusion green tea made from one tea bag daily, the serum ferritin decreased from 1,090 mcg/L to 600 mcg/L. A 5-year follow-up with serial measurement of ferritin revealed that green tea consumption might prevent iron overload in thalassemia intermedia patient. No other side effect, except low serum zinc, was found.