Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that distorts the shape and prevents the normal functioning of red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is usually diagnosed by a blood test after an infant is 4-months-old. In the United States, the disease mostly affects African-Americans and Hispanics, notes MayoClinic.com.. Patients with sickle cell anemia have a greater than normal need for calories and micronutrients, which means that daily attention to diet, and the help of medical and nutritional professionals, can make a significant difference in overall health and well-being.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease causes normally round, flexible red blood cells to become sickle-shaped, rigid and sticky. The damaged cells lodge in small blood vessels and obstruct the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. The damaged blood cells die more quickly than normal blood cells and are not replaced as quickly. Both the obstructed blood flow and the red blood cell shortage cause chronic anemia. Often, swollen hands and feet are the first symptom observed in infants with the condition. Other symptoms are fatigue, episodes of pain called crises, delays in growth and puberty onset, retina damage and vulnerability to infections caused by spleen damage. For most patients, there is no cure for sickle cell disease. Treatment can relieve the symptoms and prevent complications.
Deficiencies
Your diet can help address the chronic deficiencies, including calorie, energy and essential micronutrient deficiencies, common to sickle cell disease patients. Blood levels are often low for vitamins A, B-6, C and E. Low blood levels of carotenoids, magnesium and zinc cause lower blood levels of healthy antioxidants. Your body needs nutrients for normal growth and development. Deficiencies in micronutrients can result in the development of other conditions or the worsening of sickle cell disease symptoms.
Recommended Diet
Medical professionals recommend a diet high in calories and nutrients to address deficiencies in calories, energy and micronutrients, especially during sickle cell crises and for children who have frequent hospitalizations. You can increase your intake of essential nutrients by adopting a diet that includes more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. You should also drink eight glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration, which can increase the distortion of red blood cells, and follow the usual healthy diet recommendations: lean meats, poultry and fish, low-fat dairy products, low-sodium and low-sugar.
Nutritional Supplements
Your doctor may prescribe nutritional supplements in addition to a specific to help correct deficiencies. Diet alone does not resolve deficiencies in calories, energy and micronutrients for most sickle cell disease patients. Some patients take 1 to 3 times more of some supplements than the recommended daily intake. Supplements might include fish oil, micronutrients, vitamins and minerals. Your doctor might prescribe protein-calorie supplements or high-dose antioxidants.
Tips and Warnings
Talk to your doctor and nutritionist about your dietary needs. Your medical team may perform a nutritional assessment to help you develop an appropriate diet and determine your need for supplements. You might require monitoring to identify problems and make necessary adjustments. Talk to your doctor before taking nutritional supplements.
