Archive for nutrition
Weight loss: When scientific paradigms collide
David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD, co-directs the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. Because conventional thinking usually rests on years (sometimes centuries) of research, scientists are naturally skeptical of radical new ideas. But occasionally, problems with normal science arise, such as a persistent failure to solve important puzzles and anomalies that can’t be ... Read More
Addressing food insecurity: How Boston Children’s makes food accessible for patients
Food insecurity is more common than you might think, affecting an estimated 21.1% of Massachusetts households with children in 2023. To add to the stress, families of children with dietary restrictions who face food insecurity are frequently left with limited options to find proper nutrition. One of the biggest hurdles when it comes to addressing ... Read More
The infant formula shortage: Your questions, answered
By now, you’ve likely heard about the current shortage of commercial infant formula: As of today, more than 40 percent of formulas are out of stock across the U.S. The situation has left families scrambling for solutions — and struggling to make sense of a barrage of misinformation online. To get answers, we spoke with ... Read More
Preventing another infant formula crisis: What needs to happen now
The current national shortage of commercial infant formula might seem like it came out of nowhere, but today’s scarcity is an exacerbation of a longer-standing problem. Triggered by supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation worsened recently. This February, a major manufacturer voluntarily recalled and then ceased production of its powder formula, ... Read More
Nutrition equity: How to give nutrition advice to diverse families
If nutrition advice were easy to follow, the number of children with type 2 diabetes and obesity would be going down, not up. But as many pediatricians and nutritionists know, food cravings, picky eaters, and hectic schedules pose serious challenges. Add language barriers, a lack of accessible food choices, or food insecurity to the mix, ... Read More
Bringing Brazilian flair to blended diets: Josue’s g-tube journey
Josue Oliveira loves mealtime. In his large family — he’s the youngest of five kids — that means gathering around the table to enjoy traditional Brazilian dishes full of rice, beans, vegetables, and chicken. For this 4-year-old, though, dinner is a little different. Instead of picking up a fork or spoon, he gets his meals ... Read More
Dr. Dennis Spencer: The world needs more diverse doctors
If you ask Dr. Dennis Spencer, he’ll tell you one of the best things about practicing medicine is the opportunity to work directly with people and communities. As a physician in Boston Children’s Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, he diagnoses and treats children with digestive disorders and educates patients and families about preventive measures ... Read More
Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S): When athletes run on empty
The strength, skill, and speed of Olympic athletes help the rest of us understand human potential in a new light. But athletic glory can come at a high price. The quest to be the best can drive some athletes into punishing training routines, denying themselves of food and other basic needs. Whether training for the ... Read More
Kira’s story: how a diagnosis of fatty liver disease nourished a lasting lifestyle change
Kira’s journey with fatty liver disease began about six years ago, when imaging for other medical reasons showed areas of concern with her liver. Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat is stored in the liver; it can lead to progressive liver disease and is the most common pediatric liver disease in the country. The ... Read More
Making food fun: Jacob’s journey with feeding difficulties
Most parents might discourage their child from playing with their food. But for Lorraine Scanlon, getting her son Jacob to have fun at the table is all part of taking the pressure out of eating. In fact, it’s an approach recommended by his health care team. Jacob, now 8, has had feeding challenges since he ... Read More