Sickle cell anemia is defined as the hereditary disease of genetically altered red blood cells that have a sickle shape, carry abnormally formed hemoglobin, and have abnormal transport capabilities of oxygen. Those with sickle cell may have painful episodes, or crises, which can last hours or days, possibly requiring a hospital stay. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, bone pain and abdominal pain. Nutrition is important for sickle cell disease and during sickle cell crises.
Overall Guidelines
When are you not experiencing a sickle cell crisis, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends maintaining a healthy diet with regular physical activity. Incorporate foods from all food groups. You should aim to eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Aim to eat 6 servings of foods from the grain food group, and at least 3 of those servings should be whole grains. Limit saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. Speak with a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen.
Sickle Cell Crisis
The main nutrition goal for an acute sickle cell crisis is to increase your consumption of carbohydrates, fats and protein. According to the text, "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology," your body is expending more energy during a sickle cell crisis; therefore, you have an increased need for macronutrients. This allows you to maintain or gain weight if your crisis results in weight loss. To increase your overall consumption, it may be beneficial for you to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. When experiencing a crisis, be mindful that you are eating mostly nutrient-dense foods.
Recommended Foods
During a sickle cell crisis, you may need to increase your calories and protein. To do this, choose higher-fat milk products. When you are not experiencing a crisis, choose low-fat dairy products. When you have sickle cell, your diet should include lean meats, eggs, beans, peanut butter and nuts. Acorn squash, greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, broccoli and spinach are also recommended foods, as are fresh fruits, especially yellow fruits such as cantaloupe, apricots and peaches. All breads, pastas, hot and cold cereals are acceptable as well. Choose whole grains whenever possible.
Other Tips
You may require vitamins and mineral supplementation. Folic acid is important for producing red blood cells. You also need adequate amounts of vitamins B-12 and B-6 if you have sickle cell. Also make sure that you are getting enough fluids. High-calorie, high-protein liquid nutrition supplements may be needed if you are unable to consume adequate calories and protein with real foods during a crisis. Speak with a doctor or dietitian to determine what diet plan is best for you.
References
- PubMed Health; Sickle cell anemia; January 2010.
- "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology"; Marcia Nelms, et al.; 2007
- "American Dietetic Association's Nutrition Care Manual"; American Dietetic Association; 2009.
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; Sickle cell anemia.
- University of Iowa Children's Hospital; Sickle cell anemia; 2005.
