Nutrition For The Child With Sickle Anemia
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) or Sickle Cell Anemia, is a genetic red blood cells disorder that causes the red blood cells to take a sickle shape. the disease is common among Africans, African Americans, and Hispanic.
People with this disorder experience episodes of joint pain and fatigue, and frequent infections. SCD is linked with the deficiency in Calcium and Vitamin D most of the cases.
If you have a child born with (SCD) more precautions should be taken in consideration to insure optimum growth and development for your child.
Calcium is important if the body gets the required amount of vitamin D. Discuss with your child pediatric or dietitian if supplement can be prescribed for your child along with vitamin D fortified foods.
However, this a general guideline to follow to insure:
A high-calorie, nutrient-dense diet: a typical diet for children with sickle anemia is low. As result, they tend to be in low weight compared with unaffected child.
Adequate fluid consumption to avoid dehydration: the process of sickling of red blood cells increases in case of dehydration. Make sure your child gets enough of fluids daily to minimize the sessions of intravenous fluid take
Vitamin and mineral supplements: blood level of vitamins and minerals are often low, that increases the need for vitamins and minerals supplementation include vitamin A and carotenoids, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc
Supplementation of Omega-3: it can improves the membranes of red blood cells and may decrease flare–ups of the disease and improves the membranes of the red blood cells, however; studies have not confirmed its effectiveness yet.
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