Johns Hopkins All Children's nutritional services offer specialized and specific counseling for multiple medical conditions related to the gastrointestinal tract.

We work with your GI doctor as well as other disciplines to address problems such as: Celiac disease, Hyperlipidemia, Inflammatory bowel disease, Irritable bowel syndrome, Short bowel syndrome, and Tube-feeding (including the blenderized G-tube diet).

We will provide you with an individualized plan that will include an extensive education on the specific medical condition. If required, we will provide you with a menu and a complete guide of foods recommended or foods to avoid, as well as supplementation, if needed. A specific enteral formula as well as recipe may be recommended depending on the medical condition in order to provide all nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals.

After an initial assessment, we will follow up in order to assist with adequate growth, feeding/menu adjustments and answer any questions that may arise related to each medical condition.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is primarily found in foods containing wheat, barley or rye. An immune reaction in the small intestines is trigged when celiac patients consume gluten, causing damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and due to that certain nutrients may not be absorbed.

At Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, our specialized dietitians will provide you with education and tools to handle your child's medical condition. Extensive information will be given in regards to what foods he/she can or cannot eat. In addition, we will teach you how to read a food label and what to look out for in the ingredients. Growth and development will be monitored closely as well as signs of nutrient deficiency. If needed, the appropriate supplementation will be recommended to prevent deficiencies

Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is a condition in which the fat profile (lipid panel) is abnormal or elevated. This may include: high cholesterol, high triglycerides, or a combination of them both.

At Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, our specialized dietitians will provide you with education and tips to assist with lowering your elevated lipid profile. We will provide your child with a personalized plan that will help lower his/her lab values by taking in consideration their likes and dislikes. Growth and development will be monitored as well as lab values and weight

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a general term used to describe two disorders: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. Both diseases cause damage to the lining of the intestinal tract. Growth failure is a common problem in children/teens with IBD. The causes for poor growth are low calorie intake, poor absorption of nutrients, and drug-nutrient interactions. Good nutrition can improve growth in children/teens with IBD.

At Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, our specialized dietitians will provide you with education and tools to handle your child's medical condition. Extensive information will be given in regards to what to do in case of inflammation and what to do when in remission. Growth and development will be monitored closely as well as signs of nutrient deficiency. If needed, the appropriate supplementation will be recommended to prevent deficiencies

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that leads to abdominal pain and cramping, changes in bowel movements, and other symptoms. In IBS, the structure of the bowel is not abnormal, as seen in IBD.

At Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, our specialized dietitians will provide you with education and tools to handle your child's medical condition and symptoms. We will customize a diet plan depending on their individualized nutritional issues. Growth and development will be monitored closely and plans will be adjusted accordingly. 

Short bowel syndrome

Short bowel syndrome is a condition caused by severe intestinal disease or removal of portions of the small intestine. As a result, nutrients are not properly absorbed (malabsorption) and deficiencies can occur.

At Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, our specialized dietitians will provide you with education and tools to handle your child's medical condition. We will supplement, if needed, in order to prevent deficiency of any nutrients and avoid malabsorption. If necessary, our dietitians will provide TPN (total parenteral nutrition) and/or tube feeding guidance. Growth and development will be monitored closely and plans will be adjusted accordingly. 

Tube-feeding

Tube-feeding (enteral feeding) is an external source of feeding through a tube due to multiple reasons that include: failure to thrive, inadequate weight gain and/or difficulty swallowing/chewing. Tube-feeding may be temporary or lifelong.

At Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, we will educate you on the appropriate formula needed for your child to continue growing and developing adequately. Recipe and feeding regimen will be determined or adjusted and monitored for adequacy. We will assist you with trouble shooting any problems with tolerance and appropriate formula. If appropriate, we can provide a costumed blenderized recipe to potentially help prevent vomiting and reflux.