Mediterranean Diet for Chronic Pain in Sickle Cell Disease

Researchers studied whether following a Mediterranean diet—which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and olive oil—could help ease chronic pain in people living with sickle cell disease. This exploratory trial tested whether dietary changes alone might provide relief for pain that occurs on most days or every day. The study was designed to gather early evidence about whether diet could become a useful tool for managing this difficult symptom.

People with sickle cell disease often experience chronic pain that is difficult to treat with current medications alone. Researchers wanted to explore whether changing eating patterns—specifically adopting a Mediterranean diet, which has anti-inflammatory properties—could help reduce this pain and improve quality of life.