There may be times when your child will need extra protein or energy in their diet. To achieve this, your doctor and dietician will decide upon a suitable nutrient rich supplement that can either be taken as a ready made drink or as a soluble powder in drinks. If dietary supplements are prescribed they should be treated with the same importance as medications.
If your child’s appetite is poor and they are unable to take enough food and supplements to meet their special dietary requirements, it may be necessary to consider additional feeding in the form of tube feeding (gastrostomy or nasogatric). If this is required it will be discussed well in advance.
There is usually no dietary restriction following transplantation. However, it is important to avoid adding salt to food and reducing the number of salty snacks to help blood pressure control. Healthy eating and regular exercise which can be followed by all the family are always encouraged.
NKF Controlled Document No. 169, Your Child & Chronic Kidney Disease — An introductory manual for families — Dietary Supplements, written 12 June 2004. Last reviewed 3 May 2011.
Content compiled by members of the Children’s Renal & Urology Unit, QMC Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
The National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349) and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735). Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.
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Page created: 12 June 2004
Last updated: 27 February 2011