Nutritional concerns for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Everyone needs energy to grow and be active. Taking in too little energy may lead to decrease activity, poor growth and also decreased resistance to infections or diseases. Energy needs will change depending on the age, height and weight. For kids with CKD, parents should work together with the healthcare professionals to determine their kid’s daily calorie needs. If the child is not growing normally, the healthcare professionals can suggest the suitable ways to increase or add in calories in the child’s diets.

Protein is a necessary nutrient of any diet. It helps in building and maintaining muscle, bone, organs and blood. Some will help to fight disease and heal wounds. Sometimes, doctors or dietitians will suggest patients with CKD to consume moderate or less quantity of protein. However, restricting protein in some patients could cause malnutrition. For children with kidney disease, the objective is to consume sufficient amount of protein for growth but avoid too high protein intake. If the kid is on hemodialysis, the kid’s protein needs will increase, but this will have to base on the type and regularity of dialysis because this process will removes protein from the child’s blood. However, peritoneal dialysis removes even more protein than hemodialysis. Therefore, they will need more protein intake and parents must take note of this and keep their children diet with sufficient protein. Protein sources from animal are eggs, milk, cheese, chicken and fish include more of the essential amino acids our body needs. Moreover, a well-balanced vegetarian meal plan is also applicable.

Sodium is also important for many body functions. Usually, one teaspoon of table salt contains 2,300 milligrams of sodium. Most of the canned foods, processed foods and some frozen foods and some snacks like chips contain a lot of salt. Too high intake of sodium will increase thirst, raise blood pressure and cause water retention that may lead to excess weight gain or fluid buildup in the lungs. In contrast, too little sodium in some patients may cause dehydration and poor weight gain. Healthcare professionals may ask parents to limit or add sodium to their kid’s diet based on their kid’s body needs. Parents should buy “sodium-free” or “low-sodium” food products if their child needs to lessen sodium in their diet. It is recommended that nearly all fresh vegetables and fresh, unprocessed meats are more preferable.

Potassium is found in many fruits and vegetables such as bananas, potatoes, melons and so on. It keeps the heart beating regularly and muscles working right. Healthcare professionals should regularly check on kid’s blood tests to make sure that the potassium level stays in the normal range. If the child’s potassium level rising, parents can try limiting the amount of potassium in their child’s diet. Parents and healthcare experts also have to make sure that the child consume sufficient amount of fluids or water to prevent dehydration, swelling or high blood pressure.