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Home > About childhood cancer > For parents > Food >Does my child need a special diet?
Many parents and carers come across alternative or complementary diets in books, magazines and websites. Some of these diets claim to treat or cure cancer, which is misleading: there is currently no evidence that childhood cancers are influenced by diet.
On treatment
While your child is on treatment, the most important thing regarding their nutrition is to make sure they eat as well-balanced a diet as possible. However special diets are often bulky, low in energy and protein and involve taking large amounts of vitamin and mineral supplements.
Poor appetite
If your child has a poor appetite, sore mouth, nausea or vomiting they will find the food recommended on special diets very difficult to eat. They may end up losing more weight as they won't be able to take in enough calories. Special diets can also be time-consuming and costly to prepare, and the high doses of vitamin and minerals may be harmful to children.
If you are thinking about trying your child on a special diet it is important you discuss it with the doctor or dietitian. They know your child, and will be able to advise you appropriately on the advantages and disadvantages.