Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells are stiff and crescent-shaped or sickled instead of being disc-shaped. Stiff sickled red blood cells can block blood vessels, reducing blood flow to many parts of the body, which can result in tissue and organ damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sickled red blood cells also do not deliver adequate oxygen to the body. B-complex vitamins are beneficial to patients with sickle cell anemia.
B vitamins and Sickle Cell Anemia
The University of Maryland Medical Center also advises patients with sickle cell anemia to take B-6, B-12 and folic acid vitamin supplements. Vitamin B-6 prevents sickling of red blood cells, while B-12 and folic acid assist the body in producing healthy red blood cells. B complex vitamins are also necessary in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fat into energy that can be utilized by the body. B-complex vitamins provide extra energy to patients with sickle cell anemia. Patients with sickle cell anemia require extra energy to be able to cope with sickle cell crisis, shortness of breath due to reduced oxygen and fatigue caused by the disease.
Symptoms and Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia
Patients with sickle cell anemia experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes, pale skin, coldness in hands and feet, irritability,episodes of pain, swollen hands and feet, frequent infections, delayed growth in infants and children, and vision problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is no cure for sickle cell anemia. Treatment of the disease is aimed at relieving pain and preventing complications. Patients are treated using medications to reduce pain, antibiotics to treat recurrent infections, supplemental oxygen and regular blood transfusions. Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for sickle cell anemia, but finding donors is difficult and the procedure has serious side effects.
Complications of Sickle Cell Anemia
Complications of sickle cell anemia include enlarged spleen, frequent infections, delayed growth and puberty in children, stroke, acute chest syndrome, high blood pressure in the lungs, gallstones, skin ulcers and painful erections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Complications of sickle cell anemia occur when sickled red blood cells block blood flow to body organs leading to damage of the organs. Patients with sickle cell anemia receive regular blood transfusions so as to reduce the risk of stroke. Regular blood transfusions can lead to excess iron in the body, which can damage the liver, heart and other organs.
Prevention of Sickle Crisis
Sickle cell crisis is a sudden episode of pain throughout the body that develops when stiff sickled red blood cells block blood flow to the chest, bones, joints or abdomen, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sickle cell crisis may be triggered by stress, dehydration and infections. Patients can prevent sickle cell crisis by drinking plenty of fluids to dilute the blood. Patients should also avoid strenuous exercise. Folic acid supplements may also reduce the number of sickle cell crisis episodes. Folic acid helps the body make new healthy red blood cells.
