Trial of Oral Glutamine in Patients With Sickle Cell Anemia

1. The study will compare the effect of glutamine and placebo on resting energy expenditure (REE) in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) by comparing the change in REE ratio between baseline and 12 months. 2. The study investigates the effect of oral glutamine and placebo on body composition in children with SCA by comparing the difference in body mass indexes (BMIs) and percent of body fat (DEXA Scan) between baseline and 12 months of treatment in the two groups. 3. This Study will investigate the effect of oral glutamine and placebo on growth in children with SCA by comparing the Z scores for one year before baseline to 1 year while on study. 4. This study will investigate the effect of oral glutamine and placebo in children with SCA by comparing the difference in the levels of plasma and red blood cell glutamine between baseline and 12 months of treatment in the two groups. 5. This study will investigate the clinical effects (strength and exercise endurance) of oral glutamine and placebo in children with SCA by comparing the difference between baseline and 12 months of treatment in the two groups. 6. This study will evaluate quality of life in children with SCA who have glutamine or placebo for 12 months. 7. This study will evaluate the changes in REE over time in a small group of patients that will have REE measurement at months 3, 6, and 9. This objective will be offered to all patients, but will be "additional studies" that are not required to participate in the protocol.