Using flaxseed to reduce pain and inflammation in children with sickle cell anemia
Official title: 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
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11056151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $171,180 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL173704-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056151 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with sickle cell anemia who experience acute pain.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Hydroxyurea to help children with sickle cell anemia in Africa
A pediatric study tests hydroxyurea treatment for young children with sickle cell anemia in several African countries to see if it can reduce illness and improve health.
-
Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell in Africa
A pilot study tests hydroxyurea in young children with sickle cell disease across several African countries to see if it can reduce illness and hospital visits.
-
Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Africa
A safe and feasible use of hydroxyurea for young children with sickle cell disease in several African countries to reduce illness and improve daily life.
-
Hypoxemia during Sleep in Sickle Cell Disease: How Common is It and How Might Treatments Help
This study looks at how low oxygen during sleep affects adults with sickle cell disease and how they respond to therapy across multiple urban and rural sites.
-
Hypoxic red blood cells for sickle cell anemia using the Hemanext ONE system
A new approach using special low-oxygen red blood cells from the Hemanext ONE system is being tested to help adults and children with sickle cell anemia who rely on frequent transfusions.
-
Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell Anemia in Africa
A safety and feasibility pilot study tests giving hydroxyurea to young children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa to reduce illness and death.
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.