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Children, nutrition and sickle cell disease |
Nutrition is fundamental to everyone’s health, but when it comes to
people with sickle cell disease (SCD), also referred to as sickle cell anemia,
it’s even more important. SCD is a genetic
red blood cell disorder that changes the shape of blood cells to a sickle or
crescent appearance.
Everyone can be born with sickle cell anemia though it’s most
common among people of African descent and Latinos. Sickle cell anemia patients
often have episodes of pain, fatigue and regular infections. SCD is linked to vitamin
D deficiency and poor appetite and that can cause delayed growth and
development in children. This makes taking a higher amount of certain nutrients
such as calories and protein necessary.
Your child needs to build strong bones while growing up and vitamin
D helps to enhance the build. Feed your child with vitamin D-fortified milk and
make sure he/she gets enough active play time outdoors. Note that children with
darker skin are likely to have vitamin D deficiency. Talk with your child’s
healthcare provider about vitamin D and know if there’s need for any supplement.
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for the growth and development
of your child alongside other nutrients as well. This means you should aim for overall
nutrition. Never ignore these tips because nutrition equals good health for
your child. Ensure that good
nutrition becomes a family affair to create a balanced diet culture in your
child instead of otherwise.
What types of nutritious foods should you give a child with SCD?
· Feed your him/her with
a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Mix them with each of these grains, and
proteins, for example, eggs, fish, meats, chicken, beans or tofu and seeds or nuts.
· Give your child a
lot of calcium-rich foods and beverages that include milk, yogurt, and cheese. Children
can also get calcium from sources like leafy green vegetables as well as
calcium-fortified products. Good examples include, soymilk and tofu and certain
types of breakfast cereals and fruit juices.
· Provide your child
with nutrient-rich, high energy foods such as smoothies, dried fruit, nuts and
nut butters in case the child doesn’t have enough appetite. Consider adding sauces,
gravies and sources of fat to meals. Include snacks for additional calories.
· Make sure they are
fond of fluids, especially water as it helps to prevent constipation and dehydration.
· Help your child to
avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and embrace milk or calcium-fortified 100%
orange juice. It provides essential nutrients responsible for enhancing growth
and development in children.
· Have a chat with
your child’s doctor about vitamin D testing and supplementation. In spite of
getting vitamin D from sun exposure, fortified milk, eggs and yogurt, getting vitamin
D from food alone is often difficult.
Remember
that following a good nutrition-based menu 100% practically especially for a
child may be challenging. One of the major reasons is that busy families may
find spending enough time at home cooking difficult. Besides, it’s very
important to enjoy a meal together as a family especially if your child lives
with a chronic illness.
Consider
involving a registered dietitian/nutritionist so that your child can get
exactly the unique nutritional needs necessary for his/her condition and good
for your entire family. Are you living with a child with SCD? If yes, share
your experience in the comment section about the healthy diet you give the
child.
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