Anaemia is present in 31.3% of male and 73.6% of female subjects heterogenous for beta thalassaemia. In males, none had serum ferritin (SF) levels less than 10 ng/ml. In contrast, female subjects with haemoglobins less than 12 gm/dl, had SF levels less than 20 ng/ml. Statistical differences in the Hb, RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC abd HBA were found with the normal groups (p<0.001). Comparison of the SF levels in both the males and females show no difference from those in the normal groups (p<0.10). Iron loading was not a significant feature in both the males and females. Correlation of the SF with age shows a weak negative correlation. Married females with children showed that the SF levels fell significantly with increasing age, suggesting the possibility that repeated pregnancies may deplete iron stores as reflected by the SF levels. In countries where iron deficiency and thalassaemia are highly prevalent, assays of serum ferittin will indicate if there is a need for supplemental iron in subjects hetergenous for beta thalassaemia.