CHILDHOOD NEPHROTIC SYNDROME
A guide to the treatment of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome

WARNING — Review of this information is overdue. It may be out of date.

IS THERE A SPECIAL DIET?

When in remission a ‘Healthy Eating’ diet is generally recommended for your child. It is a good idea for all members of the family to also follow a healthy eating plan.

At other times when your child may be in a Nephrotic state diet and fluid restrictions or guidelines may be in place – and should be followed.

Guidelines to Follow

• no added salt - avoid adding salt to food at the table and try to reduce the intake of processed food e.g. crisps, tinned and packet foods
• ensure an adequate protein intake - it is not usually necessary to take extra protein in the diet, a good healthy appetite will usually ensure an adequate intake.
• eat more fibre rich foods - try using wholemeal bread, wholewheat breakfast cereals, fruit and vegetables
• reduce sugar - try to avoid adding sugar to drinks and food, replace fizzy drinks with sugar free varieties. Try to cut down on sweets and chocolate.
• replace saturated fats with mono or polyunsaturated - use margarines and oils labelled ‘high in polyunsaturates, low in cholesterol’

This advice should be treated as a HEALTHIER way of eating rather than as a diet.

Further dietary information and advice can be offered to you from your Paediatric Renal Dietitian.

NKF Controlled Document No. 141, CHILDHOOD NEPHROTIC SYNDROME — A guide to the treatment of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome — Is there a special diet?, written 10 September 2004. Last reviewed 1 December 2008.

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.

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