Nutritional deficiencies among adults with beta thalassemia major in Vietnam.

The majority of adult beta thalassemia major patients in Vietnam were underweight, with nearly half having normal BMI.

• Study included 317 adult patients with beta thalassemia major (54.2% females, median age 32)
• 18.3% of patients were severely underweight
• 32.2% were underweight
• 49.5% had a normal BMI
• Cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Thalassemia, The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in Vietnam

Severely underweight patients exhibited lower body composition parameters compared to normal weight patients.

• Severe underweight patients exhibited lower body fat, bone mineral content, and visceral fat
• Severely underweight patients consumed 12.06 g/d less fat than normal weight patients (95% CI: 6.85, 17.26)
• Severely underweight patients consumed 10.42 g/d less protein than normal weight patients (95% CI: 4.42, 16.42)

Average daily energy intake was significantly below estimated energy requirements for beta thalassemia major patients.

• Average daily energy intake was 1449.9 kcal
• Estimated energy requirement was 2079.5 kcal
• 81.4% of patients consumed less than 85% of their energy needs
• Nutritional status was assessed using three components: BMI, body composition, and dietary intake

Severe deficiencies in multiple micronutrients were prevalent, with the worst adequacy observed in severely underweight patients.

• Severe deficiencies in Ca, Mg, Fe, and B-complex vitamins were prevalent across the patient population
• The lowest mean probability of adequacy for minerals and vitamins was observed in severely underweight patients
• Micronutrient deficiencies were assessed as part of a comprehensive dietary intake evaluation

This study represents the first comprehensive nutritional assessment of beta thalassemia major patients in Vietnam.

• The study assessed nutritional status using BMI, body composition, and dietary intake components
• The authors identified critical gaps in energy and nutrient intake in this population
• The authors concluded that evidence-based strategies including dietary education and tailored interventions are urgently needed to improve nutritional outcomes