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The author reflects on the advantages and the disadvantages of the integration of folic acid into the U.S. diet. He presents a background of the link between folate and cancer based on observations on the efficacy of folic acid antagonists in the treatment of animal and human leukemias. He describes the role of folate in methylation. The author also argues against adding more folic acid to the food supply.

The author comments on the proposed introduction of vitamin B12 fortification to U.S. food.

This article focuses on a recommendation from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which stressed the need for regular monitoring of iron load in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes who are receiving red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Findings from several studies suggested that iron overload caused by RBC transfusions was adverse prognostic factor for survival and leukemia-free survival. Another recommendation is for physicians to consider iron chelation therapy to maintain healthy serum ferritin levels.

The article discusses research on the risk for iron overload-related disease of men who are C282Y homozygotes. It references a study published in a 2008 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine." The risk for iron overload-related diseases in C282Y homozygotes was analyzed by researchers by examining 31,192 patients of northern European descent, aged 40 to 69 years old. It found that 28.4% of men homozygous for C282Y developed iron overload-related disease.

The article discusses a study of the low use of hydroxyurea in Florida patients with sickle cell disease, which was presented at the 49th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia. Results showed that only 38% of patients meeting clinical indications for hydroxyurea were dispensed one or more hydroxyurea prescriptions. Editorial board member Ralph Green said the low use of hydroxyurea is the result of poor patient compliance or patient adherence.

The article discusses a study of the awareness and use of hydroxyurea among patients in Nigeria with sickle cell disease, which was presented at the 49th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia. The reasons for not taking hydroxyurea were lack of awareness, pregnancy restrictions and risk for infections. Editorial board member Ralph Green said pregnancy restriction is an important consideration within Nigerian study population as there is a need for use of contraception.