What is
thalassemia?

LET’S START WITH THE BASICS

All about thalassemia

Thalassemia is a group of rare inherited blood conditions. It affects the production of a protein called hemoglobin.

  • Hemoglobin is a key part of red blood cells (RBCs). Hemoglobin holds onto oxygen and delivers it to cells throughout the body. Cells use oxygen to function
  • In thalassemia, hemoglobin is not made properly. As a result, healthy RBCs cannot be made properly

Thalassemia results in chronic anemia that can last throughout life.

The type of anemia resulting from thalassemia is not the same as iron-deficiency anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron to make RBCs.

Who does thalassemia affect?

Thalassemia affects both men and women. It can affect people of many different backgrounds, but is more common among people of African, Asian, Mediterranean, or Middle Eastern descent. The name thalassemia comes from Greek: thalassa means sea and emia means related to blood.

Important information about thalassemia callout

In adults who do not have thalassemia, hemoglobin levels typically range from 14 g/dL to 18 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL to 16 g/dL in women.

Find out what causes thalassemia and learn more about this condition

Causes of Thalassemia

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