Pediatric medical nutrition therapy (MNT)

What is pediatric medical nutrition therapy (MNT)?

Pediatric medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is the approach used in treating some chronic conditions, such as celiac disease, using a customized nutrition plan.

What can I expect with pediatric medical nutrition therapy (MNT)?

A medical nutrition therapy plan depends on your child's needs. It can range from a few dietary tweaks to total parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding). Often, MNT is the first treatment children receive to help manage conditions such as obesity and epilepsy. The goal of an MNT program is to put your child on the track to better health so other treatments or therapies can work better.

• Celiac disease - gluten-free diet

• Cystic fibrosis (CF) - high fat, high-calorie diet

• Diabetes - constant carbohydrate diet

• Failure to thrive - high-calorie, high-protein diet

• High cholesterol - fat restricted diet (low saturated fat, low trans-fat); rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains

• Kidney disorders - includes low sodium, low potassium, low phosphorus diets, depending on the disorder