title: Micronutrients and sickle cell disease, effects on growth, infection and vaso-occlusive crisis: a systematic review.
abstract: Patients with Sickle cell disease (SCD) exhibit signs of poor growth, increased susceptibility to infection and recurrent episodes of painful vaso-occlusive crises. Micronutrient deficiencies may increase susceptibility to these outcomes. We conducted a systematic review to assess the strength of evidence for improved outcomes related to micronutrient interventions. Six randomized-controlled trials of moderate quality met the inclusion criteria. Zinc supplementation was associated with improved growth and decreased incidence of infection and is a promising intervention in the management of SCD patients. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was associated with limited reduction in vaso occlusive crises. This review identifies key knowledge gaps, which are important research priorities for nutritional interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. l.h.dekker@amc.uva.nl
authors.forename: Louise H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Dekker
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fijnvandraat
authors.forename: Bernard J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Brabin
authors.forename: Michael Boele
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: van Hensbroek
mesh_terms: D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000172:deficiency*
chemical_list: D018977:Micronutrients