Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) or Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic red blood cell disorder in which the blood cells have a sickle or crescent shape. Patients with SCD are often targets of pain, fatigue and infections. SCD is associated with low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency and poor appetite which can cause delayed growth and development in children.
Children who drink milk may get enough calcium levels but this is not enough. Calcium can aid in building strong bones only when the child’s vitamin D levels are sufficient. Most of the SCD patients have vitamin D deficiency because of their dark skin, absence of dairy intake and reduced sun exposure. When these patients spend some time out in the sun, eat more dairy and drink enough milk, they can get better. Poor bone density, pain, fractures and muscle weakness are common in SCD patients and vitamin D supplementation for over a period of 6 months can ease pain to an extent. Every person needs a different dose of supplementation and the health care provider is the right person to prescribe accurate dosages required by the body. Apart from calcium and vitamin D, other nutrients are also essential for total well-being. Physicians are the right persons to guide you after assessing your body. The tips given below can help to fulfill your child’s nutrient requirements:
Though these tips sound to be easy, they are not so easy to practice. Families don’t get enough time to sit and prepare healthy meals when they have a SCD-affected kid. Also, if they do prepare, they don’t feel like eating. Work with a registered dietitian nutritionist at www.firsteatright.com to understand your child’s unique nutritional needs and plan quick and healthy meals that work good for the entire family.
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AuthorDietitian Nutritionist Dr. Nafeesa Imteyaz. Archives
January 2019
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