Children quite often develop nutritional deficiencies and suffer from the long term effects of these. In developing countries, particularly in India a vast majority of children from the lower socioeconomic strata are malnourished. Malnourished children are at serious risk of contracting severe and serious infections due to their lowered immune status. Many malnourished children succumb to severe infections.

The reasons for poor nutritional status may be due to improper weaning (change from breast milk to other feeds), deficient intake of the right proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, essential minerals and vitamins, poor oral intake, inability to swallow, food allergies , intercurrent illnesses etc., Underlying diseases of various organ systems conditions contribute to malnourishment such as heart or kidney disease, certain surgical procedures or other disorders, intensive care stay for any reason, and food allergies etc., Good nutrition is important for the child to withstand any illness whether due to injuries, infections, any major surgery, or condition. Optimal nutrition ensures the immune system functions properly along with good reserve of function of the vital organs ( the heart, brain, kidneys, etc ).

Children who cannot eat or drink ( feed ) normally due their illness may require to be fed through a tube passed into stomach through the nose ( nasogastric feeds ). In children with deranged intestinal function who cannot digest or assimilate feeds given through the gastrointestinal system, will need feeding through their veins with a specially prepared mixture of feeds which contain all the basic nutrients to support body functions. (Total Parenteral Nutrition).

Our nutritionist takes round of all the patients and assess the nutritional status and plans diet in hospital accordingly and give dietary advice at the time of discharge.

Their services are also available for outpatient children with minor nutritional ailments of feeding disorders.