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Neutropenic Diet

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A neutropenic diet is often prescribed for children who have a depressed immune system. The guidelines provided here are intended to minimize the introduction of pathogenic organisms into the gastrointestinal tract by food while maximizing healthy food options for immunosuppressed patients.


Modifications

The guidelines consist of foods, which have been shown by culture to be safe when properly prepared in the home and hospital kitchen. High-risk foods identified as potential sources of organisms known to cause infection in immunosuppressed patients are restricted.

The diet guidelines meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances of the National Research Council for all nutrients when carefully planned by patient and dietitian and monitored for actual food intake. Multi-vitamin supplements may be required if food intake is poor.


Dietary Restrictions

  • Raw and undercooked meat (includes game), fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs, hot dogs, tofu, sausage, bacon
  • Cold smoked  fish (salmon) and lox:pickled fish
  • Unpasteurized and raw milk and milk products including cheese and yogurt
  • Aged cheese (e.g. brie, camembert, blue, Roquefort, sharp cheddar, Stilton, etc.)
  • Refrigerated cheese-based salad dressings (e.g. blue cheese), not shelf-stable
  • Mexican hot (e.g. hot chili pepper) farmers, and feta cheese
  • Unwashed raw vegetables and fruits and those with visible mold
  • All raw vegetable sprouts (alfalfa, mung bean, all others)
  • Unpasteurized commercial fruit and vegetable juices
  • Raw or non heat-treated honey
  • All miso products (e.g. miso soup); tempe (tempeh); mate’ tea
  • All moldy and outdated food products
  • Unpasteurized beer
  • Raw, uncooked brewer’s yeast
  • Well water, unless tested yearly and found sage
  • Herbal preparations and nutrients (please inform your provider if you are taking any)


    • Dietary Discontinuation

    • Liver and kidney transplant upon discharge
    • Regular diet excluding raw fish, egg or meat, well water unless tested yearly and found safe
    • (For patients undergoing bone marrow transplant); Dscontinuation s on a patient by patient basis, to be determined by the M.D. upon discharge
    • (For patients who have undergone heart/lung transplant) Remain on above diet for one year.


    Adapatations to our Inpatient Menu

    • No ice
    • No unwashed fruits and vegetables
    • No green salads
    • No foods from home while inpatient
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