Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCarrying or Inheriting ItSymptomsTreatmentMedicines and SupplementsSelf-Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Carrying or Inheriting It
Symptoms
Treatment
Medicines and Supplements
Self-Care
Betathalassemiaminor—also known as beta thalassemia trait or B thalassemia—is a blood disorder. It lowers your blood’s level ofhemoglobin, an iron-containing protein inred blood cellsthat carries oxygen throughout your body.
The red blood cells in people with this condition are smaller than normal. Those with this problem can go through life healthy and without symptoms. For some, though, it can lead to mildanemia, though it rarely needs treatment.
This problem is passed from parent to child. You can carry the trait and pass it to your child without knowing it. Some only learn about it when they have a blood test for other problems.
This article describes how beta thalassemia is passed from parent to child, the symptoms that can occur, and when treatment is needed.
Kemal Yildirim / Getty Images
Carrying or Inheriting the Beta Thalassemia Minor Trait
The beta thalassemia trait is present at birth. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern involving the HBB (hemoglobin subunit beta) gene. Your chances of carrying or inheriting the beta thalassemia minor trait depend on whether one or both of your parents are carriers.
If both parents have beta thalassemia trait, each child has the following risk:
Moleculargenetic testingcan detect mutations of the HBB gene. However, this type of testing is typically reserved to identify people at risk of having the trait and those who are asymptomatic carriers. It may also be used in prenatal testing.
Getting tested for this trait can provide the following benefits:
Genetic Predisposition and What It Means
Mild Anemia: Symptoms of Beta Thalassemia Minor
When beta thalassemia minor results in mildhemolytic anemia(early breakdown of red blood cells), symptoms can include the following:
If anemia becomes worse, the following symptoms may also develop:
Beta Thalassemia Minor vs. Beta Thalassemia MajorThalassemia includes a group of blood disorders that affect hemoglobin production. Beta thalassemia typically falls into one of the following categories based on the severity of thalassemia:Beta thalassemia minor (beta thalassemia minor trait):The affected person carries the trait but does not have the disease.Beta thalassemia intermedia: The affected person has symptoms that fall between the minor and major categories, such as moderate anemia, and may require intermittent red blood cell transfusions.Beta thalassemia major:The affected person needs lifelong medical care, transfusion of red blood cells, andchelation therapyto remove excess iron from their blood.
Beta Thalassemia Minor vs. Beta Thalassemia Major
Thalassemia includes a group of blood disorders that affect hemoglobin production. Beta thalassemia typically falls into one of the following categories based on the severity of thalassemia:Beta thalassemia minor (beta thalassemia minor trait):The affected person carries the trait but does not have the disease.Beta thalassemia intermedia: The affected person has symptoms that fall between the minor and major categories, such as moderate anemia, and may require intermittent red blood cell transfusions.Beta thalassemia major:The affected person needs lifelong medical care, transfusion of red blood cells, andchelation therapyto remove excess iron from their blood.
Thalassemia includes a group of blood disorders that affect hemoglobin production. Beta thalassemia typically falls into one of the following categories based on the severity of thalassemia:
Do You Need Treatment With Beta Thalassemia Minor?
Most people do not need treatment with the beta thalassemia minor trait. The condition may cause a mild form of anemia, but it usually does not require medical treatment.
A person with beta thalassemia minor usually has a normal life expectancy. While hemoglobin production may be slightly decreased, delivering oxygen to the rest of your body is typically adequate to avoid complications.
In some cases, treatment may be required during physiological stress, pregnancy, or childhood when the condition can cause mild anemia. In these cases, consistent monitoring is required. Treatment may consist of the following:
Beta Thalassemia Minor: Medicines and Supplements
Most people with beta thalassemia minor don’t require medicines or supplements to treat their condition. If you are considering taking any type of medicine or supplements for beta thalassemia minor, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so.
Symptoms of beta thalassemia minor can sometimes lead to amisdiagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, and iron supplements may be prescribed. However, taking iron supplements can increase your risk of iron overload, a common complication of thalassemia syndromes. Anyone with beta thalassemia minor should not take iron supplements.
While treatment usually isn’t necessary, people with beta thalassemia minor may be prescribed folic acid. Folic acid can promote the development of red blood cells.
Research indicates that children with beta thalassemia minor may benefit from folic acid supplementation for three months. When symptoms occur, this treatment may help to increase hemoglobin levels, improve fatigue, and decrease bone pain andmyalgia(muscle pain).
Clinical Classification of Beta ThalassemiaWhile beta thalassemia disorders are traditionally characterized as mild, intermediate, and major, a classification system based on their management with red blood cell transfusions may better reflect the clinical management and complications of each type.This clinical classification system includes the following categories:MildVery low anemia to low end of normalTransfusions rarely requiredNon-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT)Moderate anemiaOccasional to intermittent transfusions requiredTransfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT)Severe anemiaLifelong transfusions required
Clinical Classification of Beta Thalassemia
While beta thalassemia disorders are traditionally characterized as mild, intermediate, and major, a classification system based on their management with red blood cell transfusions may better reflect the clinical management and complications of each type.This clinical classification system includes the following categories:MildVery low anemia to low end of normalTransfusions rarely requiredNon-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT)Moderate anemiaOccasional to intermittent transfusions requiredTransfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT)Severe anemiaLifelong transfusions required
While beta thalassemia disorders are traditionally characterized as mild, intermediate, and major, a classification system based on their management with red blood cell transfusions may better reflect the clinical management and complications of each type.
This clinical classification system includes the following categories:
Mild
Non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT)
Transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT)
Self-Care With Beta Thalassemia Minor
Self-care with beta thalassemia minor depends on the extent of your symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider regarding your condition. Generally, living a healthy lifestyle, avoidinginfections, and limiting iron intake are the best ways to support your well-being.
Common strategies for self-care with beta thalassemia minor may include the following:
Summary
Beta thalassemia minor is a blood disease that is passed from parent to child. It lowers your blood’s level of hemoglobin, which hinders the delivery of oxygen throughout your body.
This problem often occurs without symptoms. Many people learn they have it after getting the results of a blood test done for other reasons. This problem does not affect a normal life span.
Some people get mild anemia with it, Symptoms are often mild. Though rarely needed, treatment can involve taking folic acid, having blood transfusions, and handling iron levels in your blood.
Finding out whether you have this disorder can help you gauge your risk of passing it on. When two parents have the damaged gene, it raises the risk of a more severe form of thalassemia in their children.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Beta thalassemia.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Beta thalassemia.Medscape.Beta thalassemia workup: prenatal diagnosis.Mount Sinai.Iron deficiency anemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Thalassemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of thalassemia.Ali S, Mumtaz S, Shakir HA, et al.Current status of beta‐thalassemia and its treatment strategies.Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2021;9(12):e1788. doi:10.1002/mgg3.1788Egitto EA, Grogan S.Does folic acid supplementation have a role in the treatment of anemia associated with beta thalassemia?.Evid Based Pract. 2016;19(2):14. doi:10.1097/01.EBP.0000541162.39463.a5Sanchez-Villalobos M, Blanquer M, Moraleda JM, Salido EJ, Perez-Oliva AB.New insights into pathophysiology of β-thalassemia.Front Med. 2022;9:880752. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.880752Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Nutrition.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Vaccinations.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Exercise.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Psychosocial support.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Beta thalassemia.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Beta thalassemia.Medscape.Beta thalassemia workup: prenatal diagnosis.Mount Sinai.Iron deficiency anemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Thalassemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of thalassemia.Ali S, Mumtaz S, Shakir HA, et al.Current status of beta‐thalassemia and its treatment strategies.Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2021;9(12):e1788. doi:10.1002/mgg3.1788Egitto EA, Grogan S.Does folic acid supplementation have a role in the treatment of anemia associated with beta thalassemia?.Evid Based Pract. 2016;19(2):14. doi:10.1097/01.EBP.0000541162.39463.a5Sanchez-Villalobos M, Blanquer M, Moraleda JM, Salido EJ, Perez-Oliva AB.New insights into pathophysiology of β-thalassemia.Front Med. 2022;9:880752. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.880752Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Nutrition.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Vaccinations.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Exercise.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Psychosocial support.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Beta thalassemia.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Beta thalassemia.Medscape.Beta thalassemia workup: prenatal diagnosis.Mount Sinai.Iron deficiency anemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Thalassemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of thalassemia.Ali S, Mumtaz S, Shakir HA, et al.Current status of beta‐thalassemia and its treatment strategies.Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2021;9(12):e1788. doi:10.1002/mgg3.1788Egitto EA, Grogan S.Does folic acid supplementation have a role in the treatment of anemia associated with beta thalassemia?.Evid Based Pract. 2016;19(2):14. doi:10.1097/01.EBP.0000541162.39463.a5Sanchez-Villalobos M, Blanquer M, Moraleda JM, Salido EJ, Perez-Oliva AB.New insights into pathophysiology of β-thalassemia.Front Med. 2022;9:880752. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.880752Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Nutrition.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Vaccinations.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Exercise.Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Psychosocial support.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Beta thalassemia.
Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Beta thalassemia.
Medscape.Beta thalassemia workup: prenatal diagnosis.
Mount Sinai.Iron deficiency anemia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Thalassemia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of thalassemia.
Ali S, Mumtaz S, Shakir HA, et al.Current status of beta‐thalassemia and its treatment strategies.Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2021;9(12):e1788. doi:10.1002/mgg3.1788
Egitto EA, Grogan S.Does folic acid supplementation have a role in the treatment of anemia associated with beta thalassemia?.Evid Based Pract. 2016;19(2):14. doi:10.1097/01.EBP.0000541162.39463.a5
Sanchez-Villalobos M, Blanquer M, Moraleda JM, Salido EJ, Perez-Oliva AB.New insights into pathophysiology of β-thalassemia.Front Med. 2022;9:880752. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.880752
Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Nutrition.
Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Vaccinations.
Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Exercise.
Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center.Psychosocial support.
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