Strategies to Improve Nutritional Intake in Children with Cancer
1. Reduced appetite:
a. Offer small amounts of food more frequently (6 to 8 meals or snacks per day).
b. Offer nutritious foods between meals.
c. Whenever possible, offer the child's favorite foods so that the child does not develop an overall aversion to food.
2. Nausea and vomiting:
a. Avoid eating during chemotherapy whenever possible. Food should preferably be consumed 3 to 4 hours beforehand.
b. Offer small portions of cold foods.
c. Avoid foods with strong odors, as they may worsen nausea.
d. Ginger-containing foods or preparations may help reduce chemotherapy-related nausea.
3. Mouth sores:
a. Offer soft foods in puréed or liquid form.
b. Avoid spices and pepper.
4. Changes in taste:
a. Avoid foods that are excessively sweet.
b. Try introducing new flavors and foods to the child.
c. If there is no medical restriction on salt intake, salt may be used to improve the flavor of food.
Pediatric Hematologist & Oncologist
