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| |    Diet and Nutrition in Sickle Cell Disease by Lewis Hsu, M.D., Ph.D. and William Muller, Ph.D reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. While everyone needs to think about the things that they eat, a healthy diet is even more important for children with sickle cell disease. Research is still ongoing, but six key nutritional factors already have been identified: 1. The general nutritional principles apply. Children with sickle cell have the same basic nutritional requirements as anyone else. The food pyramid developed by the federal government is a useful guide. A healthy diet helps every child grow well and avoid illness. Learning and practicing good eating habits while still young can help prevent many diseases later in life, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. So far, researchers believe that the same antioxidants and anti-clotting foods that help prevent heart disease, stroke, and cancer also help reduce health problems caused by sickle cell disease. 2. Fluids are vital. Avoiding dehydration is a good way to decrease the likelihood of pain crises, so getting plenty of fluids is extremely important. 3. Extra calories are required. The calories contained in our food are converted by our bodies into energy that is used to help us grow, ward off infection, and engage in our daily activities with vim and vigor. Recent research shows that children with sickle cell need about 20 percent more calories than other children to fuel their production of red blood cells to replace the damaged, sickled ones. Not getting enough calories may lead to delays in growth and maturation. Try to ensure that your child usually snacks on healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, not just junk food. You can work in some additional calories (and protein) by putting peanut butter on celery or carrots; adding cheese, nuts, or wheat germ to appropriate foods; making milkshakes or yogurt smoothies; and serving pudding or instant-breakfast drinks. 4. It's important to avoid obesity. Even though children with sickle cell need more calories, it is just as important for them not to become overweight. Obesity can lead to faster onset of a problem called avascular necrosis of the hip, in which the bone loses its blood supply and collapses. 5. Fiber helps keep constipation at bay. Constipation is an unfortunate side effect of some of the medications required for the treatment of sickle cell pain. Consuming plenty of fiber, such as that found in whole grains and fruits, will help prevent or treat constipation. 6. An adequate amount of folic acid is key. Children with sickle cell disease need extra folic acid (also known as folate, one of the B vitamins) in order to produce red blood cells more quickly. These can be found in foods such as grains, fruits, and leafy, green vegetables. You also should consult with your child's doctor about the advisability of a folic acid supplement-and how much your child should take. In addition to these six known factors, doctors are studying some other nutrients and foods that might aid people with sickle cell. These include omega fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, African yams, antioxidants, and certain herbs. Ask your doctor to keep you posted on research updates as they become available.
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