Using flaxseed to reduce pain and inflammation in children with sickle cell anemia
A Double Blinded Randomized Feasibility Trial on the Use of Plant Based Omega-3-Fatty Acids (Flaxseed) to Improve Inflammation Driven Pain Outcomes in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia
This study is looking at whether adding flaxseed to the diet can help reduce pain caused by inflammation in children with sickle cell anemia, and it will involve giving some kids flaxseed products while others get a placebo to see how it affects their pain and gut health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056151 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, specifically flaxseed, to alleviate inflammation-driven pain in children suffering from sickle cell anemia. The study will involve a double-blinded randomized trial where participants will receive either flaxseed-enriched products or a placebo. By examining changes in pain levels and gut microbiome composition, the research aims to determine if dietary interventions can serve as effective non-opioid treatments for managing acute pain in these children. The trial is designed to assess both the acceptability of flaxseed products and their impact on inflammation and pain outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with sickle cell anemia who experience acute pain.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of anemia or those who do not experience acute pain related to sickle cell anemia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel, non-opioid treatment option for managing pain in children with sickle cell anemia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that marine-based omega-3 fatty acids can reduce pain in children with sickle cell anemia, suggesting potential success for this plant-based approach.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dike, Chinenye Rebecca — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Dike, Chinenye Rebecca
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.