Cerebral palsy refers to group of chronic conditions that affect muscle control and coordination. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain during fetal development, before, during, or shortly after birth, or during infancy. An estimated 35 percent of all children with cerebral palsy are malnourished due to a lack of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and an overall reduced caloric intake.

Why Malnourishment Happens with Cerebral Palsy
Eating may be challenging for individuals with cerebral palsy and their caregivers for several reasons. Since people with cerebral palsy have difficulty with motor control, it may be difficult or impossible to hold eating utensils and move food from the plate to their mouth. They may also find it difficult to coordinate the tongue, to chew, and to swallow, all of which may contribute to frustration and sometimes a refusal to eat or drink. An inability to swallow can also lead to choking or aspiration of food.

Nutritionally-Related Problems with Cerebral Palsy
Proper nutrition is necessary for the body to function optimally. Poor nutrition can lead to stunted growth, developmental delays of the brain, and low energy levels. Decreased muscle mass, weakness, retarded growth, and mental changes, including confusion and irritability, may also result. If severe, malnutrition can lead to death. Children with CP commonly suffer from constipation and tend to be both short and underweight for their age

How to Prevent Nutritional Deficiencies
Provide as many calories as possible during each meal to minimize poor weight gain. If solid foods are challenging to eat, offer thickened liquids from a cup. If eating becomes too frustrating for the individual with cerebral palsy or the caregiver, stop and add a snack later on. Offering dried apricots or fruit straps in between meals may help develop the ability to chew. Another way to help eating development is to provide a variety of textures, from liquids to solids. This variety will also help mealtime become more enjoyable.

Be sure to provide plenty of liquids, especially water, since poor fluid intake can contribute to constipation. Thicken the liquids if necessary. A 1997 study of commercial thickeners published in Dysphagia suggested that of the five brands studied, none was superior in producing the desired consistency nor were any superior in taste.

Cerebral Palsy Diet
Dietitians suggest a high-fiber, low fat diet for people with CP to help avoid constipation and to maintain a normal weight. The Cerebral Palsy Handbook recommends a balanced diet consisting of meat, cheese, and/or beans (protein), potatoes and whole-grain bread (carbohydrates), oats, wheat germ, and green vegetables (roughage), butter and oil (oil), fruits and vegetables (vitamins and minerals), and plenty of fluids.

Extra nutritional supplements or fortified drinks may be necessary to ensure adequate nutrition. It’s important to get the correct amount—not too few and not too many—of calories and essential nutrients.

Where to Get Help in Feeding or Eating with Cerebral Palsy
Several healthcare providers can help ensure you or your child with cerebral palsy gets the proper nutrition. Check with a dietician to learn the right amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight and to find out which foods offer the best nutrition.

A speech therapist can help the individual with cerebral palsy learn to eat and drink independently by strengthening mouth muscles and by teaching how to use tongue more efficiently.

Occupational therapists can demonstrate the best way to position a child with cerebral palsy for feeding, as well as offering suggestions for feeding equipment. If feeding becomes too difficult, a doctor can insert a gastrostomy feeding tube to help ensure the adequate amount of nourishment is ingested.

Summary of Cerebral Palsy Nutrition
Nutrition is a vital component of managing cerebral palsy so that individuals achieve their maximum potential in growth and development. Be sure to provide a variety of nutritious foods and beverages in a consistency that is more easily processed and swallowed.