Every child requires a healthy, balanced diet to support their growth and development. However, the nutritional needs of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) are often far more complex. Oral motor dysfunction in children with CP is common, which means they can have trouble eating, chewing, and swallowing safely, as well as possible digestive challenges like gastroesophageal reflux and constipation. Along with their muscle tone and mobility challenges, parents and caregivers often have to be mindful to ensure their children receive the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
Good Food to Include
As you’ll learn by clicking this link: https://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/cerebral-palsy/types/, there are several types of CP with varying levels of severity. As a result, the foods you’ll include in your child’s diet, and those you’ll avoid, will depend on their unique triggers, such as choking or chewing difficulties. However, there are certainly foods that are generally recommended for children with CP due to their wonderful nutritional profiles:
- Dark, leafy greens
- Whole grains
- Nut butters
- Poultry
- Nuts and seeds
- Fish liver oil
- Fish, such as salmon and tuna
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Avocados
If your child has difficulties with chewing and choking, be selective with citrus flavors, fatty meats, and spices.
Nutritional Needs for Children with CP
Just as we all need a variety of vitamins and minerals to remain healthy, so do children with CP. However, their activity and mobility levels can sometimes determine their eating habits and nutrient requirements.
For example, a child with a high activity level and high muscle tone will use more energy and require more food than a child with a low activity level and low muscle tone. In children who struggle with nutrient intake due to diet challenges or who can’t walk, low bone density is common. As a result, vitamins and minerals for bone health become even more important:
- Calcium: Builds and maintains strong bones by providing hardness and density. The best sources of calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, and calcium-fortified beverages.
- Vitamin D: Crucial for helping our body absorb calcium from food. While our bodies make vitamin D, it can be found in fish, fish liver oil, and fortified products like orange juice, milk, and some cereals.
- Phosphorus: Supports the growth of bones and teeth. It’s commonly found in milk and milk products, eggs, meat, fish, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and poultry.
Also of great importance for bone health and found in a variety of foods within a standard diet are:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Copper
Gaining Nutrients through Supplements
When a child with CP can’t obtain all the nutrients they need to stay healthy by mouth, dietitians and healthcare professionals often recommend supplements. These can be in the form of:
- Liquid or chewable vitamins or minerals
- Calorie or protein boosters in pouches, bottles, boxes, or homemade
- Meal replacement formulas for well-balanced nutrition
- Thickeners to promote safe swallowing
As a parent or caregiver, you can’t help but worry that your child with CP is getting enough essential vitamins and minerals to support their health and well-being. If you’re worried about your child’s diet, consult your regular physician today.