Eating Well With Sickle Cell

Good nutrition is very important for people with sickle cell disease. It helps to promote health and prevent complications. Children with sickle cell disease need a diet that provides plenty of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. Their bodies use more energy because they break down red blood cells faster than other children do. Higher energy needs make it common for affected children to be shorter and thinner than their peers. Kids with sickle cell disease can often catch up to their peers if they meet their energy needs. High calorie foods or extra snacks can be helpful, and that is why we’ve developed this cookbook. We want to help you meet the energy needs of a child with sickle cell disease by preparing appealing calorie-dense meals and snacks. When the body has enough fuel, it will have an easier time replacing red blood cells.   Abstract source