Supplementation of patients with sickle cell disease with astaxanthin increases plasma- and erythrocyte-astaxanthin and may improve the hemolytic component of the disease

Astaxanthin incorporates into SCD RBC and may favorably affect the hemolytic component. A larger randomized controlled trial is indicated, using similar or higher dose, preferably during more than 3 months, concomitant with (other) low dose antioxidants (vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C, folic acid), minerals (zinc, if necessary, selenium), arginine, fish oil and vitamin D.