In order to reassess the need for iron chelation therapy in nontransfused patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia, serum ferritin level and ferrous iron absorption from the gastrointestinal system were measured in 43 (23 male and 20 female) patients (mean age 13.4 +/- 7.5). The mean hemoglobin value was 8.6 +/- 1.3 g/dL and serum ferritin 303 +/- 207 ng/mL. Absorption of ferrous iron salt was determined in 21 patients by measuring serum iron before and 3 hours after giving ferrous salt orally at 1 mg/kg. The means of the increase in serum iron values were 39 +/- 45, 105 +/- 46, and 224 +/- 112 micrograms/dL in patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia, normal subjects, and patients with iron deficiency anemia respectively. Differences in the means in three groups were significant (p < 0.001). This study shows that iron absorption from the gastrointestinal system as ferrous salt is not accelerated in patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia. The serum ferritin level in these patients is not high enough to necessitate iron chelation therapy.