Childhood leukemia is the most common form of cancer among children. Often, children with leukemia find it difficult to eat a variety of foods because of the many discomforts associated with this type of cancer. Nonetheless, taking steps to ensure that your child consumes the nutrients required can optimize her growth and development. It is also important to work with your child's doctor and a registered dietician to ensure balance and avoid contraindications with treatments and medication.
Childhood Leukemia
There are several forms of childhood leukemia. In general, leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. With childhood leukemia, white blood cells formed in the bone marrow are produced abnormally and begin to overtake healthy blood cells. This makes it difficult for the blood to function as it should. This disease can be chronic or acute, however most children are diagnosed with acute forms.
Macronutrients
Children with leukemia need extra calories to support their health. Undergoing cancer treatments and being sick, in general, requires extra calories and protein, as well as sufficient carbohydrates and fats to ensure proper growth and development. There are several methods of ensuring that your child gets the additional calories needed to support his condition. Infants with leukemia should be fed formula or breast milk when thirsty rather than juice or water. Babies, ages 4 to 6 months should consume solid foods that are high in calories. Toddlers and preschoolers should drink whole-milk rather than reduced-fat or low-fat milk. Incorporate peanut butter, which is high in calories and plant protein, into snacks and meals often. Add butter, protein supplements and creamy sauces and cheeses to meals and snacks to increase calories.
Micronutrients
Undergoing cancer treatment and the general effects of cancer can make it difficult for your child to eat a balanced diet. As a result, she might not get a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals in their her diet. A multivitamin supplement could be the solution. Talk with your child's doctor about choosing the right multivitamin, as some could interfere with certain medications your child might be taking.
Reducing the Risk
Vitamins and minerals are important in maintaining health during childhood. A 2004 study, published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" tested the incidence of childhood cancers in children whose diet was higher in vitamins C and E and potassium. The study found that children consuming a high number of fruits and fruit juices with these vitamins and minerals were 50 percent less likely to develop childhood leukemia. Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants, which can help ward off free-radicals that potentiate many illnesses. Another study, published in 2009 in "Public Health Reports," found that a woman's diet during pregnancy could affect the likelihood of childhood leukemia for the baby she is carrying. These researchers discovered that a diet rich in vegetables and adequate protein during pregnancy seemed to reduce the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
References
- MedlinePlus; Childhood Leukemia; September 2011
- American Cancer Society; Nutrition for Children with Cancer; June 2011
- "Public Health Record"; Maternal Diet and Risk of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; M.L. Kwan; August 2009
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; Nutrition Linked to Childhood Leukemia; Patricia Buffler; May 2007
- MedlinePlus; Eating Extra Calories When You are SIck -- Children; August 2011
