Numerous supplements may help reduce the signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease. According to the Genetics Home Reference website, sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affect your hemoglobin, or the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout your body. If you have sickle cell disease, you have abnormal hemoglobin molecules that may distort your disc-like red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape. Before taking supplements to treat your sickle cell disease, consult with your physician about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Fish Oils
If you have sickle cell disease, supplementing your diet with fish oils may help reduce your signs and symptoms. According to a 2001 study by A. Tomer and colleagues published in the "Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis," omega-3 fatty acids -- the fatty acids found in fish oils -- reduce the frequency of painful bouts in people with sickle cell disease. The researchers state that if you have sickle cell disease, increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids reduces prothrombotic activity in your body, causing fewer bouts of pain. A thrombus is a blood clot formed from platelets and other elements in your blood; it can cause extreme pain. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils may also improve the strength of your cell membranes, making them less likely to sickle. Before taking fish oils to treat your sickle cell disease, consult with your physician to discuss possible side effects and proper dosage.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine may be helpful for treating sickle cell disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that L-carnitine is a nutrient that helps your body turn fat into energy. L-carnitine is produced by your liver and kidneys and stored in your skeletal muscles, heart and brain. If you are a male of reproductive age, you also store L-carnitine in your sperm. According to the UMMC, L-carnitine has been used to treat numerous conditions because of its ability to decrease oxidative stress, or the effects of free radicals on your cells. A 2005 article by I. E. Okpala published in the journal "Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America" states that sickle cell disease-related pulmonary hypertension responds well to L-carnitine supplementation. According to MayoClinic.com, pulmonary hypertension is a common complication associated with sickle cell disease. Before taking L-carnitine to treat your sickle cell disease, discuss possible side effects and proper dosage with your physician.
Zinc
Zinc may be a beneficial dietary supplement for sickle cell disease. According to Dr. Russell B. Marz, a naturopathic physician and author of the textbook "Medical Nutrition From Marz," zinc increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of both normal and sickle-shaped red bloods cells. If you have sickle cell disease, zinc supplementation may help prevent cell damage and speed the healing of your leg ulcers -- a common complication associated with sickle cell disease. Zinc deficiency is a common finding among individuals with sickle cell disease. A 2002 article by Ananda S. Prasad published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" states that several clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease are related to zinc deficiency, including growth retardation, hypogonadism in males and cell-mediated immune disorder. Before taking zinc supplements to treat your sickle cell disease, consult with your physician for proper dosage and potential side effects.
References
- Genetics Home Reference: What is Sickle Cell Disease?
- PubMed.gov: Reduction of Pain Episodes; A. Tomer et al.; June 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Carnitine (L-Carnitine)
- PubMed.gov: New Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease; I. E. Okpala; October 2005
- MayoClinic.com: Sickle Cell Anemia
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Zinc Deficiency in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease; A. S. Prasad; February 2002
