What types of supplements should you take with thalassemia minor?

If an individual has thalassemia minor and his red blood cells are smaller than normal, he may take iron supplements. However, if a patient doesn't have iron deficiency, he should avoid taking supplements that contain iron, as stated by Cooley's Anemia Foundation.

Patients with thalassemia have fewer red blood cells and less hemoglobin than normal in their bodies. Symptoms are mild or nonexistent for thalassemia minor. In most cases, patients with this disorder do not need treatment. In some cases, such as after surgery or having a baby, patients may need a blood transfusion to minimize thalassemia complications, according to WebMD.