Good nutrition is essential for children with cerebral palsy (CP) to reach their potential in growth and development. The benefits of good nutrition include:
- Improved weight and growth
- Improved immune function
- Decreased irritability
- Improved cognitive ability
- More rapid recovery from surgery and illness
- General improvement in well being
- Improved circulation
Children with CP may be at risk of the following nutritional concerns:
Poor weight gain
Some children with CP have difficulty gaining weight and may be underweight for their height and age.
Poor weight gain and growth were once thought to be a usual consequence of having CP; this is no longer the case. Poor weight gain in children with CP can be due to a number of factors which may include:
- Inadequate nutritional intake
- Increased energy expenditure