Q: My brother is 28 years old and has sickle cell anaemia. What should be his daily food intake? What should be his daily iron requirement and does he need supplements for the same such as iron-folic dietary supplements like nutrilite marketed by Amway. It contains folic-133 mg, iron spinach concentrate and ferrous fumarate 15mg.

A:An age-appropriate, well-balanced diet is suggested; however, no special requirements are indicated. Some people advise daily folic acid supplements and 1 tablet a day is fine. It is important to drink plenty of water to remain well hydrated as that reduces the chances of sickling.