Clinical Nutrition Services

The Department of Clinical Nutrition Services at the duPont Hospital for Children is staffed by registered dietitians who have special training and expertise in the nutritional needs of infants, children, and teens.

The staff can provide education, guidance, and motivation for children with chronic illness, obesity, or other problems that affect nutritional status.

The staff of eight registered dietitians and a dietetic technician works with patients who have a variety of nutrition-related concerns, helping families make permanent behavioral and dietary changes that will improve their child's health and quality of life. The staff provides consultation, evaluation, and diet instruction on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Services Available:

Individualized nutrition assessment including:
- Weight and height measurement
- Nutritional history
- Food record or calorie count
- Individualized dietary counseling and instruction
- Consultation for the duPont Hospital for Children's medical and surgical programs

Typical Diagnoses/Problems:

Weight management
Eating disorders
Failure to thrive
Inborn errors of metabolism (such as PKU)
Food allergies
Picky eating
Neonatal nutrition
Vegetarian nutrition
Sports nutrition
Dietary guidance for patients who have medical conditions impacting upon their dietary needs (examples: cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, Crohns disease, celiac disease, diabetes, renal disorders, neuromuscular disorders)