Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B9 (Folate)
For the health condition: Sickle Cell Anemia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin B9 (Folate) is commonly used to support patients with Sickle Cell Anemia, and its use is supported by clinical rationale and moderate scientific evidence. Sickle Cell Anemia is characterized by increased red blood cell (RBC) turnover due to chronic hemolysis. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and the production of new RBCs. Because individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia have accelerated RBC destruction, their requirement for folate is elevated compared to the general population.

Multiple guidelines, including those from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the British Society for Haematology, recommend daily folic acid supplementation (usually 1 mg/day) for patients with Sickle Cell Disease. The intent is to prevent folate deficiency, which could contribute to megaloblastic anemia and worsen the anemia already present in Sickle Cell Disease.

However, it should be noted that while folate supplementation prevents folate deficiency, there is limited direct evidence that it improves clinical outcomes such as frequency of sickle cell crises or overall disease progression. Rather, supplementation is a preventive strategy based on biological plausibility and the increased risk of deficiency due to high RBC turnover. Thus, the evidence level is moderate (3/5): the practice is well-accepted and recommended, but robust randomized controlled trial data demonstrating improvement in Sickle Cell Disease-specific outcomes are limited.

More about Vitamin B9 (Folate)
More about Sickle Cell Anemia

Other ingredients used for Sickle Cell Anemia

l-glutathione
omega-3 fatty acids
zinc

Products containing Vitamin B9 (Folate)

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.