Sickle Cell Disease: Nutritional Considerations

Patients with sickle cell anemia have greater than average requirements for both calories and micronutrients. During sickle cell crises, energy intake can be especially poor. Children frequently hospitalized for sickle cell disease (SCD) commonly show poor linear growth, lean body mass, and reduced fat-free mass. For reasons that are poorly understood, many patients are deficient in essential micronutrients. A diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes will provide a greater proportion of essential nutrients than a typical Western diet, and appropriate supplementation (1-3 times the recommended intakes for most essential nutrients) can prevent deficiency and may decrease the likelihood of disease exacerbation.   Abstract source