Do only mediterraneans get mediterranean anemia? Ho wdo I know wheteher I'm mediterranean besides looks?

Answer 1

There are two ways to find out if you have or are a carrier for genetic anemia (also called Beta-thalassemia or Cooley's Anemia):
1. Have a child with the disease (not recommended)
2. Get genetic testing.

Individuals of Italian or Greek heritage are at highest risk. Others who may be at risk include those of Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern and African ancestry. (http://huhs.harvard.edu/ClinicalServices/OBGYN/OBGYNServicePrenatalScreeningTests.htm) Most doctors can arrange for genetic testing. Usually, this is a simple blood or mouth-swab. If you plan to have children, many insurance companies will pay for it. You can get a genetic profile done privately at many labs, for instance
http://www.privatemdlabs.com/lab_tests.php?view=category_result&category=12&PHPSESSID=a068bf36f8d909821977af5ca34812ed

Answer 2

Mediterranean anemia or thalassemia is a genetic trait that is controlled by a pair of genes. If a person has no thalassemia genes they will have normal blood. If they have one normal gene and one thalassemia gene they will have what is called Thalassemia minor which is a mild form of the disease. If they have 2 genes for thalassemia then they will have Thalassemia major which can be deadly.

It was called Med. anemia because it was concentrated in the people in those areas but now that people are travelling all over the world to live they take their genes with them and then their children could end up with the disease no matter where they live. But it is still more common to find it in Med. populations.

You would have to look at your ancestry to know if you are from that area. If you don't know your heritage check with your doctor. Sometimes they can give you an educated guess.

Answer 3

YOU have two good answers from stoddard and collegekid! They are both correct.