Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Assessment Intervention Evaluation/Outcome
Intake provides an adequate
amount of energy for growth.
If energy intake is lower than estimated needs,
increase energy intake. 5
Caloric intake is estimated to be at 130%-150% of the RDA
for age and Ideal Body Weight. RDA is continued to be used
by most CF centers as the DRI for energy does not meet the
needs for people with CF.
Caregiver and/or patient
increase energy in usual diet by
selecting energy-dense foods.
For infants:
Energy-dense products are used
appropriately to supplement
regular diet.
Increase energy intake by concentrating formula
to >24 kcal/oz. (or higher if necessary) When
strained baby foods started, add Moducal ® ,
Polycose ® , Scandical ® , or margarine
Avoid foods and drinks that have a low ratio of
nutrients to energy (e.g., commercial dinner
combinations and fruit drinks)
Section 3 - Condition-Specific Nutrition Interventions
For children, increase energy intake by the
following means, used in combination:
Increase the energy density of usual foods as
much as possible without increasing the volume
of food
Nutrition Interventions for Children With Special Health Care Needs 197
Identify and encourage intake of readily available
energy-dense foods enjoyed by the patient
Formulate recipe for homemade milkshakes,
according to individual preference. Include
ingredients such as milk, powdered milk, halfand-half,
cream, breakfast powders, corn oil,
fruits, and/or syrups
Use commercial supplements; ie, complete
enteral products such as Scandishake ® , Ensure ® ,
Ensure Plus ® , or Boost ® . if acceptable to patient
or modular products; i.e., Polycose ® , Moducal ® , or
Scandical ®11