Efficacy of the Nutritional Supplement, EvenFlo, in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

Richard Muga, School of Clinical Medicine, Uzima University College; County Executive Committee Member for Heath, Home-Bay CountyFollow
Arthur Ajwang, School of Clinical Medicine, Uzima University CollegeFollow
James Ouma, Department of Public Health, University of KabiangaFollow
Josephine Ojigo, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral HospitalFollow
Juliana Otieno, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral HospitalFollow
Peter Okoth, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral HospitalFollow
Caroline Wafula, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral HospitalFollow
Sophia Ajwang, Geva Familly Health Services ClinicFollow
David Ogolla, Kenya Medical Research InstituteFollow
Abraham Hollist, Optimal Health Medical CenterFollow
James Adefisoye, Homestead Hospital, Baptist Health South FloridaFollow

Abstract

Background: In this study, we investigated if a combination of the nutraceutical supplement, EvenFlo and folic acid will be superior to the standard stand-alone use of folic acid.

Methods: We conducted a randomized double-blind, active-controlled, clinical trial. A total of 70 subjects with SCD ages 5-12 years were enrolled into the study with 35 in the intervention group and 35 in the control group; 61 completed the trial (32 from the intervention group and 29 from the control group).

Results: Participants in the intervention group were significantly less likely to experience crises compared to subjects in the control group. None of the subjects in the intervention group experienced any form of vasoocclusive crisis (VOC) compared to 93.1% of the subjects in the controlled group. Additionally, the intervention group experienced a significantly higher increase in their hemoglobin concentration from baseline (2.92 g/dL, 95% CI [2.33, 3.51]) compared the control group (1.77 g/dL, 95% CI [1.00, 2.54]). The intervention group experienced a significantly higher increase in their mean weight from baseline (4.47 Kg, 95% CI [4.02, 4.92]) while the control group experienced a decrease (-1.05 Kg, 95% CI [-1.60, -0.51]).

Conclusions: EvenFlo is a nutritional supplement effective in the management of SCD when combined with folic acid; its beneficial effect would be useful in boosting the hemoglobin concentration and weight indices individuals with SCD as well as and in limiting the crises they suffered.

Recommended Citation

Muga, R., Ajwang, A., Ouma, J., Ojigo, J., Otieno, J., Okoth, P., Wafula, C., Ajwang, S., Ogolla, D., Hollist, A., & Adefisoye, J. (2020). Efficacy of the Nutritional Supplement, EvenFlo, in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal, 3(1), 35-45. https://doi.org/10.55481/2578-3750.1058

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