Nutrition while on Corticosteroids

These instructions are for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients prescribed corticosteroids to learn about how healthy food choices can reduce or prevent side effects.

Important information about corticosteroids:

• Corticosteroid medicine (such as prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisone, solu-medrol, solu-cortef or deflazacort) have many uses. They may be used to:

  • Treat inflammation or stress inside the body.

  • Prevent rejection of an organ after its transplant.

  • Help with inflammatory conditions such as asthma and many other medical problems.

• Healthy food choices can reduce or prevent side effects of corticosteroids. The most common ones are listed in the chart below.

Instructions and nutrition tips to help with corticosteroid side effects:

Weak bones

• Goal

  • Meet calcium and vitamin D needs every day.

    • Calcium:

      • 1 - 3 years: 700 mg

      • 4 - 8 years: 1,000 mg

      • 9 - 18 years: 1,300 mg

      • 19 - 50 years: 1,000 mg

    • Vitamin D:

      • Birth - 12 months: 10 mcg

      • 1 year or older: 15 mcg

• Nutrition goal/tips

  • Best sources are milk and milk products.

  • Each 8-oz glass of milk has about 300 mg calcium.

  • When reading a food label, the percent calcium is out of 1,000 mg. If a label reads 30% calcium, then it contains 300 mg.

  • If your child does not eat or drink enough calcium, a calcium supplement may be needed.

  • Your doctor may recommend yearly bone or laboratory testing to check bone health.

  • Regular exercise will help bone density.

Weight gain

• Goal

  • Eat mindfully.

  • Be active.

• Nutrition goal/tips

  • Limit second helpings and frequent snacking. Encourage lean protein and fresh fruits and vegetables.

  • Walk, bike, swim, or participate in a physical activity you enjoy.

High blood pressure

• Goal

  • Normal blood pressure.

  • Control sodium intake to prevent fluid build-up in the body. Extra fluid can cause more weight gain.

• Nutrition goal/tips

  • Read food labels and select food with lower sodium content.

  • A "low-sodium" food has 140 mg or less per serving. Foods with "reduced sodium" are at least 25% less sodium when compared to the regular version.

  • Keep sodium choices to less than 500 mg per meal and less than 150 mg per snack.

  • Buy fresh or frozen vegetables. Avoid canned vegetables.

  • Keep salt off of the table. Do not add salt to cooking water. Try measuring salt rather than adding directly to foods. Use herbs and spices in cooking.

  • Limit high sodium foods such as fast foods, frozen meals, processed foods, processed meats, packaged mixes. Use small amounts of ketchup and mustard.

High blood sugars

• Goal

  • Normal blood sugar control

• Nutrition goal/tips

  • Avoid drinks and foods with added sugar.

  • Eat a healthy diet with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Ulcers

• Goal

  • No upset stomach

• Nutrition goal/tips

  • Caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, and citrus foods can upset the stomach. If they are a problem for your child, avoid them.

  • Your doctor may also prescribe a medicine to help with an upset stomach.

Reviewed on May 1, 2022