Children should be able to eat the appropriate amounts of nutritious foods in a reasonable time frame. Mealtimes should not become battles. The child will still need a snack between meals and may insist on favorite foods sometimes. It is appropriate to encourage them to choose wisely as they are increasingly exposed to other influences such as advertising and friends. Parents of children with myelodysplasia are often concerned about short stature, calorie intake, increased weight and constipation.
Short stature is a common result of myelodysplasia.
Growth below the defect on the spine is decreased. This means that the higher the defect is located on the spinal cord, the shorter the child may be. A healthy diet promotes normal growth, but increasing the food will not change the child's natural height. Physical activity is important in maintaining a normal weight. In children with little physical activity, fewer calories will be used each day.