It has been shown that one of the reasons for the formation of the abnormally shaped red blood cells in patients with SC disease is the fact that these cells do not contain enough water; they are dehydrated. Drinking more water will not increase the amount of water in the cells. Certain salts and minerals can however have an effect on the amount of water in the red blood cells. One of the most important minerals influencing this is called magnesium. Magnesium is present in food and also in certain medications used to treat heartburn. Magnesium has been used successfully both in animals and people to increase the amount of water in the red blood cells and is very well tolerated by most people.