Cerebral palsy is characterized by disorganized movements, abnormal body postures and poor muscle tone from damage to the brain, according to Mary Mitchell in "Nutrition Across the Life Span." The impact on nutrition includes risk factors for either malnutrition or obesity. This condition causes mild to profound motor disability, which causes feeding problems and interferes with nutritional adequacy, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Diet
Early and frequent nutritional assessment by a dietitian is recommended, according to Judith Brown in "Nutrition Through the Life Cycle." Problem nutrients likely will be those related to bone density, calcium and vitamin D or nutrients needed in greater amounts due to medication side effects. Depending on the specific situation, a child with CP may need adjustments in consistency and textures of their diet or supplemental feedings.
Offer your child regular foods including softer cooked fruits and vegetables such as mashed potatoes, oats and cooked carrots or apples that are easier for her to eat. Avoid foods harder to eat such as corn on the cob or roast beef. If she does not gain weight, she may need nutritional supplementation.
Feeding Difficulties
Meal times can be frustrating due to chewing and swallowing difficulties. Children with CP may have limited ability to control and coordinate muscles for sucking, chewing and swallowing. Self-feeding may be impaired by decreased motor skills development and delayed language skills or auditory deficits may decrease communication. Compared to the general population of children, children with CP may require 2 to 12 times longer to eat a meal of pureed food and up to 15 times longer to eat a meal of solid food, according to "Nutrition Across the Life Span." There may be disturbances in hunger and satiety cues that lead to refusal to eat or stopping eating too soon.
Malnourishment
Of all children with cerebral palsy, 35 percent are malnourished, according to CerebralPalsy.org. Medications such as anticonvulsants for seizure, taken by 35 percent to 60 percent of children with CP, may decrease the availability of vitamins D and K and decrease serum calcium, magnesium, folate and vitamins B6, B12 and C, according to "Nutrition Across the Life Span." Additional medical problems that impact nourishment include gastroesophageal reflux, chronic respiratory infections, constipation and pressure ulcers. Dietitians suggest a diet with high fiber and low fat to avoid constipation and for normal weight gain.
Weight Problems
Acute malnutrition leads to underweight children. Poor nutrition can also lead to developmental delays and low energy levels or exhaustion. Talk to a dietitian to see if your child is getting the right amount of healthy nutrients every day and to compare his growth trend with the normal growth of other children with cerebral palsy. A speech therapist can help your child strengthen muscles used in chewing and moving his tongue effectively to make meal times easier and less stressful. Some children may need a feeding tube to ensure adequate nourishment.
Stunted Growth
Chronic malnutrition results in stunted growth. Poor nutritional status contributes to poor growth in children with CP. A child may be unable to consume necessary nutrients due to difficulty feeding or when increased nutrient needs due to illness exceed what she can consume.
References
- "Nutrition Across the Life Span"; Mary Kay Mitchell; (2003)
- American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren: Cerebral Palsy
- "Nutrition Through the Life Cycle, Third Edition"; Judith E. Brown; (2008)
- CerebralPalsy.org: Cerebral Palsy Treatments and Therapies
- NIH: Growth and Nutrition Disorders in Children with Cerebral Palsy
