The first-ever nutrition guidelines for children with cancer was recently published in the Journal of Nutrition Research under the aegis of IAPEN. At Cuddles Foundation, we are honoured to have played a key role in the creation of these guidelines leveraging the practical expertise of several of our nutritionists. This landmark achievement, which involved multiple stakeholders from different organisations across the country, is not only the first of its kind in India but also stands among the few comprehensive guidance recommendations globally.

Why are these guidelines a game-changer?

• Uniform Nutrition Care: These guidelines provide essential direction for implementing a consistent standard of nutrition care for children with cancer across various hospitals. This is a critical advancement in ensuring that all children receive the standardised nutrition intervention and vital nutrition they need, regardless of their location.
• Identifying Research Gaps: By pinpointing gaps in the existing literature, these guidelines highlight areas in paediatric oncology nutrition that require further exploration, driving future research and innovation.
• Comprehensive Guidance: The guidelines explore eight focus areas related to nutritional care in children with cancer, offering detailed recommendations that can be practically implemented.

The publication of these guidelines is an important step forward for the field of paediatric oncology. They represent a collaborative effort to elevate the standard of care and ensure that children battling cancer receive the best possible nutritional support no matter where they are. This, in turn, enhances their overall treatment outcomes and quality of life.

You can access the full text of the guideline here.