We explored the effectiveness of adding omega-3 fish oil, specifically its components eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), along with Manuka honey, to conventional therapies in treating oxidative stress in children with β-thalassemia major. In this study, 165 pediatric patients were involved in a randomized, double-blind trial. They were divided into three groups: one received a combination of omega-3 and Manuka honey, while another group got just Manuka honey, and a third group followed standard treatment alone.
Throughout the ten-month study period, we measured various markers of oxidative stress and overall health in these children. Our findings revealed that the combination of omega-3 and Manuka honey showed more effectiveness in managing oxidative stress than either Manuka honey alone or the conventional treatment. This suggests that integrating omega-3 into their treatment plan could offer better outcomes for managing the health challenges associated with β-thalassemia.
Ultimately, our research highlights the potential role of omega-3 as a beneficial component in the treatment of anemia related to oxidative stress in pediatric patients. By addressing both oxidative stress and iron overload, we hope this approach leads to improved management strategies for young individuals dealing with this inherited condition.