Dietary concerns during stem cell transplant

Stem cell transplant patients are very susceptible to germs that could be transmitted from food and beverages.  In an effort to provide a more protected environment, stem cell transplant patients are placed on a special diet upon admission for the conditioning regimen.

The stem cell transplant diet restrictions continue until the patient’s ANC is greater than 500 for three consecutive days and if graft vs. host disease is not present. Our dietitian will discuss the specifics of this diet with you and will also provide some important, additional information regarding safe food handling practices.

Stem Cell Transplant Diet

The stem cell transplant diet is one in which specific foods have been excluded in an effort to reduce the risk of infection. Besides minimizing the risk of infection, the goals of this diet are to promote growth and prevent loss of lean body tissue by providing adequate but not excessive calories and/or protein. Milk products are initially allowed on the diet but may be restricted if diarrhea and vomiting occur.  No restaurant or fast food is allowed until adequate engraftment occurs.  Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or dietitian will inform you of when it is safe to have restaurant food.  These diet guidelines are temporary.  They will be changed as your child's body recovers from the transplant.

The special diet will be stopped when adequate engraftment occurs; however, it is a good idea to continue to use safe food handling and preparation even after the special diet restrictions have ended.  Tips to avoid food-borne sickness:

• Do not leave meal trays sitting in patient rooms over 60 minutes without refrigeration or re-heating.
• Proper refrigeration and heating is necessary for all food.
• Follow food and safety guidelines.

Foods that are allowed and not allowed on a SCT diet