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http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org

Did you know that nutrition is just as important as chemotherapy?

• Better nourished patients are able to get the right amount of treatment at the right time.
• Treatment is more effective on a healthy body.
• Nutrition decreases the risk of infection

Good nutrition helps patients feel better and heal faster, and can even lessen side effects.

At Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, every patient gets assigned a dietitian. The dietitian is a specialist who manages nutritional needs during treatment, and can answer any questions you may have.

Throughout the different stages of treatment, appetite and taste preferences may change dramatically. Patients can have loss of appetite due to nausea and vomiting. Some foods may taste differently than they did in the past, while many foods may all start to taste the same or lose their taste entirely. Patients may also begin to have specific cravings.

Encouraging foods that are high in calories and protein such as milkshakes, meats, dairy products, peanut butter, mac and cheese, and pizza will help maintain an appropriate weight. A traditionally ‘healthy diet’ won’t apply to a patient going through treatment. The most important thing is getting as many calories as possible. The dietitian can also provide suggestions during times of experiencing poor appetite or taste changes as a result of therapy.

Nutrition can be tricky and sometimes certain medicines or other medical interventions are needed to help calorie intake stay consistently high. No one should feel like they have failed if interventions are needed. Almost all patients need help and it’s only temporary. There are many options available to fit everyone’s unique needs.

These options include:
• A high calorie, high protein diet developed by the dietitian. This includes high calorie drinks and foods.
• Appetite stimulants. This is a medicine that works to help the patient feel hungry.
• Feeding tubes. This includes both a gtube and ngtube.
• Or IV nutrition through your central line.


There may be apprehension about these interventions, but often they are necessary to help maintain good health, promote normal growth and development, and reduce complications.

Both patients and parents are oftentimes worried about these interventions. It’s important to remember that interventions help to optimize nutrition; they do not define who you are.

Remember, our goal throughout therapy is longterm good health. Properly supporting nutritional needs can lead to successful treatment, better recovery, and decreased complications. If you have any questions or concerns, simply reach out to your dietitian.