One of the potential complications of frequent blood transfusions is iron overload (hemosiderosis). Because the body has no effective means of eliminating the excess iron, the mineral is deposited in body tissues. To minimize the development of hemosiderosis and hemochromatosis, deferoxamine, an iron chelating agent, is given with oral supplements of vitamin C. Vitamin C should be given only to patients who are ascorbate depleted and only while deferoxamine is being administered.