Lipid modulatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids in children with sickle cell disease

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the commonest prevalent blood inherited disorders, accompanied by inflammation, oxidative stress, pain and alterations in the membrane lipid composition. These have harmful impacts on the cardiovascular system, making it important to address the hypolipidemia observed in these patients at an early age, for effective treatment strategies. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to positively modulate the integrity of the erythrocyte membrane. Being a dietary supplement, having multi benefits, they seem to be ideal nutrients which could be tried out for lipid modulation in these patients. Objective- In this study, we explore the potential of omega-3 fatty acids in rectifying the lipid profile changes in pediatric SCD patients, in a small prospective interventional trial. Methods- Omega-3 fatty acids were orally given to forty-three pediatric patients with SCD for a period of six months, and their lipid profile markers studied, before and after the supplementation period. Results and Conclusion- Improvement in the lipid profile was observed after omega-3 supplementation, resulting in overall favorable changes. Omega3 fatty acids may therefore possibly be used as effective and safe add on supplements during therapy, to reduce the complications accompanying SCD.

Keywords

• Sickle cell disease
• Lipid profile
• Hypolipidemia
• Omega-3fatty acids