Nutrition for children with congenital heart defects
Breastfeeding is the optimal nutrition for healthy newborns and infants in the first few months of life. Breast milk is easier to digest than industrially produced infant formula, as it has a higher protein and mineral content and is therefore more stressful for the intestines and kidneys. Breast milk can reduce the occurrence of infections, as breast milk contains immunoglobulin A and other non-specific defence mechanisms. The risk of allergies occurring can be reduced by exclusively feeding breast milk in the first 6 months.
For children with congenital heart defects, some special features must be taken into account.
Depending on the severity of the heart defect, children with congenital heart defects have a higher energy requirement than children with healthy hearts, as the metabolism is increased due to increased respiratory activity or cardiac work due to heart enlargement. Food intake may be more difficult and the desired weight gain often protracted.
Important in the diet is the content of 1. energy and 2. protein/protein and 3. the amount of fluid. Depending on the severity of the heart defect and the degree of cardiac insufficiency, different concepts are prescribed. A good calorie intake is paramount. Breast milk can be enriched with additives (maltodextrin or oil). Drinking from a bottle requires less energy than sucking at the breast. Industrially produced foods can also be fortified.
In children with congenital heart defects, it is sometimes necessary to administer nutrition via a feeding tube if the normal diet or oral supplementary feeding is not sufficient to cover the energy and nutrient requirements. A nasal tube is usually chosen for tube feeding over a rather short period of time. Fluid intake plays an important role, as the body water content is much higher than in adults. At the same time, the heart must not be expected to handle too much volume in the case of heart failure. On the other hand, the fluid requirement is increased with fever, high ambient temperatures or diarrhoea; in the case of fever, for example, it is increased by 10% per degree of increased body temperature.
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