Diet and Nutrition for Kids & Youth
Can my child eat fruit?
Yes – absolutely. The key is to know what an appropriate amount is. A good guide is to use the hand as a guide and an adult hand is one portion of fruit. If your child has advanced kidney disease there may be a need to be more selective with the types of fruits, and to avoid juices and excessive amounts of dried fruit.
How much protein is ok?
A good guide is to encourage a portion size that is about the size of your child’s palm – not including fingers and about as thick. As your child grows they need more but this is a good guide to follow as they grow too.
Does my child need a low salt diet? We don’t add salt to our foods?
Yes. Most adults and kids get most of their salt from packaged foods not adding it at the table - so it is important to check the sodium content of these packaged foods and switch to lower salt versions where you can
How do know what to look for on the food label?
To compare between products- use the per 100g column. A low salt product is defined as one that has less than 120mg per 100g of sodium
What is more important on the food label - sodium, sugar or fat?
For kids with kidney disease – salt is most important. If they have diabetes the looking at other things on the food label may also be important. Seek more advice from a dietitian about this if this is the case.
What is the best drink for my child?
Water! The amount of fluid that your child needs to drink will change if your child has advanced kidney disease so check with your dietitian or Doctor. Other types of drinks like milk, fruit juice and cordial may have a place in the diet but check with your dietitian.
Can my child still drink milk?
Yes – milk or milk alternatives like soy milk are healthy nourishing drinks. However, they may need to limited if you have advanced kidney disease because they have potassium and phosphate too. Check with your dietitian for more specific information.
For more general diet and nutrition advice, click here.