Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children disrupts the metabolic environment on which normal growth and development depend, making nutritional care central to management at every stage of the disease. This review synthesises current evidence and clinical practice guidance on nutritional assessment and dietary management in paediatric CKD, covering energy and protein prescription, mineral and vitamin D homeostasis, potassium and sodium/fluid management, and the use of enteral and parenteral nutrition support. Growth failure remains common, particularly in infants and young children, and is driven by a combination of inadequate intake, hormonal disturbance, unnecessary dietary restriction, and the metabolic consequences of uraemia itself. At the same time, obesity and overnutrition are emerging as a parallel concern in this population. Regular, structured monitoring of dietary intake and growth parameters, individualised nutrient prescription against published paediatric CKD targets, and attention to palatability and the child’s own priorities together form the basis of effective nutritional care. Consolidating this evidence into a single practical overview is intended to support clinicians in delivering nutrition that protects growth, limits uremic and metabolic complications, and improves quality of life for children with CKD and their families.

Keywords

chronic kidney disease, paediatric nutrition, growth failure, protein-energy wasting, enteral feeding, mineral bone disease, dietary management