Riba-anemia reduced by antioxidant-rich foods (Study)

[KimInTheForest]

This study seems to be 12 years old (reported in 2003). But I found it interesting:

http://www.natap.org/2003/DDW/day14.htm

I had previously read of the studies that had supplemented HCV patients on Ribavirin with high doses of pure Vitamin C & E. Those patients appeared to have less reduction (and a more delayed reduction) in hemoglobin and red blood cells than the patients on Ribavirin treatment who did not receive Vit C & E supplements.

This study with link above, has tried something similar only using actual food rather than pure compounds of Vit C & E. The study used an antioxidant-rich, carotenoid-based, tomato-based functional food.

From the article: "The authors concluded that the regular intake of carotenoid-rich tomato-based functional food reduce the severity of ribavirin-induced anemia in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection."

The theory behind all this is that the reason Ribavirin causes hemolytic anemia (i.e., makes red blood cells blow up faster than bone marrow can manufacture new ones) is because each red blood cell is chock full of Ribavirin, which puts enormous oxidative stress on the cell wall until it ruptures. If that theory is correct, then treating with antioxidants in some form, to combat the oxidative stress, could be expected to help.

Wellness to all,
kim

[ricpark]

Kim
Good find, I'll be eating more tomatoes
rich

[KimInTheForest]

Good find, I'll be eating more tomatoes
rich

Me too, Rich. It can't hurt.

[lolacme]

It's summer time. Fresh tomatoes. Yum. Got carrots in the fridge. This was really helpful as I was wondering about how to help maintain my hemoglobin and hematocrit.

[KAL]

great info Kim , i think your on to something here , ....i was worried about the riba effects as i began treatment (pre tx 16.1) and at 6 week test still holding strong at 15.4 .............i eat lotsa tomatoes , blueberry's etc.,,,,,,and here's the kicker , my doc. messed up on the script to me , he's got me overdosing on 1200mg of riba...i only weigh 150 ! last week i googled the recomended dose , i should be on 1000mg.........my appointment last week i called him on it and he said ooop's......so im now on 1000mg riba.
so your point about antioxidant's must be working for me as 15.4 is good after 6 weeks of 1200mg.

[KimInTheForest]

I think that is amazing Kal that your hemoglobin is still 15.4 after 6 weeks of ribavirin. Right on! Gonna go eat some tomatoes & blueberries right now!

Mine dropped to 10.2 at end of Week 4. I am actually doing alright, even at that subnormal level. Not really having any problems with treatment and am near the end of my 8th week (out of 12 weeks). But I am very impressed that your hemoglobin is still 15.4 on Riba - and an 'overdose' of Riba at that!

kim

[KAL]

the most noticeable side i have from the riba is my skin , i limit my exposure to the sun as much as possible but when i do go out i put sunscreen on ,............. occasional mild rash and itching very seldom now.......................as for fatigue , iv'e had it for year's but as of week 2 noticed it lifting and gettin better as time go's by..........i feel very fortunate to have this treatment , and timely as in the 11th hour miracle ,   my liver has been one unhappy camper the last couple years.

all the best , keep up the fight !

[KimInTheForest]

Same to you, Kal. Hang in there. We're both gonna beat this thing!

kim

[dearprudence]

Thanks Kim - I too will begin eating more tomato and blueberry! Does blueberry ice cream count? LOL!!!!
Prudence