Helpful Foods for Children During Chemotherapy

۰۳ شهریور ۱۴۰۵ Nutrition ، Articles-Eng

Helpful Foods for Children During Chemotherapy

During chemotherapy, ensuring adequate protein intake is very important for children. Protein-rich foods such as lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy products can help with tissue repair and maintaining muscle mass. (American Cancer Society, 2025) American Cancer Society
Healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts (preferably roasted rather than raw) can be included in the diet because they are calorie-dense and can help meet the nutritional needs of children with poor appetite. (The Role of Nutrition in Children with Cancer, PMC, 2023) PMC
Simple, easily digestible carbohydrates such as rice, soft pasta, and mashed potatoes may be suitable, as appetite may decrease and the digestive system may become more sensitive during treatment. (IAPEN India: Consensus Guidance on Nutritional Management of Paediatric Cancer Patients, 2023) SciResolv
Adequate fluids—including water, light soups, and safe beverages—are essential for maintaining hydration, especially when a child experiences nausea or vomiting. (TMC Health Cancer Center, Diet and Exercise During Treatment) Cancer Center
Small, frequent meals are recommended instead of large meals because children undergoing chemotherapy may have reduced appetite or may have difficulty tolerating large amounts of food. (Polish Society for Clinical Nutrition of Children & Pediatric Oncology, Consensus Statement, 2023) MDPI
When a child has oral sores (mucositis), mild foods with less smell and flavor, such as foods served at room temperature, may be better tolerated. (Polish Society Clinical Nutrition, 2023) MDPI
If oral intake is inadequate, enteral nutrition is the preferred first option because maintaining intestinal function and the health of the intestinal mucosa is important. (Role of Nutrition in Pediatric Oncology, MDPI, 2023) MDPI
When nutritional status is poor or a child cannot meet nutritional needs through regular food intake, oral nutritional supplements, including calorie- and protein-rich nutritional products, may be needed. (Management of Nutritional Needs in Pediatric Oncology, Consensus Statement, MDPI, 2022) MDPI
Regular nutritional assessment—including weight, nutrient intake, and micronutrient status—should be performed to identify malnutrition or changing nutritional needs. (The Role of Nutrition in Children with Cancer, PMC, 2023) PMC
Nutritional counseling by a clinical dietitian is highly important during cancer treatment, as the diet should be adjusted according to chemotherapy-related side effects and the child’s immune status. (IAPEN India Consensus Guidance, 2023) SciResolv