Which racial group is most commonly affected by alpha thalassemia?

Alpha thalassemia is most commonly found in individuals of Asian descent. This genetic blood disorder affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin, leading to anemia. The high prevalence of alpha thalassemia in Asian populations can be attributed to the geographical history and evolutionary factors where malaria is endemic. The presence of the thalassemia trait provides some protection against malaria, which has led to the higher frequency of this genetic trait in certain Asian populations, particularly in Southeast Asia.

In contrast, while alpha thalassemia may appear in individuals from other racial backgrounds, such as African Americans or Hispanics, it is significantly less common compared to the prevalence observed in Asian populations. This distribution reflects the historical and environmental context that influences genetic conditions within different ethnic groups.