Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
Children and Young Peoples Dietetic ServiceWhat is Dietetics?
Dietetics is the application and translation of the science behind how nutrition and diet effects our health and wellbeing. Dietitians translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food and advise people on their food and nutrition choices.
Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level. Dietitians treat both healthy and sick people.
What do Paediatric Dietitians do?
Paediatric dietitians carry out assessments on children and young people (usually up to 16 years of age) in order to help treat and manage many conditions and lifestyles. Paediatric dietitians will see children across Lanarkshire in a wide variety of locations and clinics.
We work closely with doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals as well as social workers and schools to ensure that the needs of the child are met.
Some of the conditions we see are allergies, coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, weight management, prematurity, faltering growth and nutrition support.
How can my child be referred to a dietitian?
In order for a child or young person to be seen by a dietitian in Lanarkshire a referral needs to be made by a health professional, nursery, school or social worker.
What to expect at your dietetic clinic appointment
Where can I go for help without a referral?
- Speak with a health professional known to your family who may be able to signpost you to relevant resources
- Look at our Information and advice page
- Check out these resources
- Babies/ Pregnancy – http://www.nhs.uk/start4life
- Breastfeeding – https://www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk/
- Babies – http://www.readysteadybaby.org.uk/
- Toddlers – http://www.readysteadytoddler.org.uk/
- School age children – https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/healthy-eating-for-children.html
- Teenagers
– https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/
– https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/healthy-eating-for-teens/ - Other – https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods
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If your child or young person has a neurodevelopmental diagnosis or awaiting diagnosis, please refer to NHS Lanarkshire’s Neurodevelopmental service’ website.
Information and Advice
 Get help with:
- Constipation advice for children – Patient Information Leaflet
- Eating and autism – Patient Information Leaflet
- Egg reintroduction – Patient Information Leaflet
- Feeding Children 1-5 years – Patient Information Leaflet
- Fluids – Fluid (water and drinks) and hydration (bda.uk.com)
- Guidance on following a Vegan diet with young children – Patient Information Leaflet
- Healthy eating – Patient Information Leaflet
- Iron Deficiency in children – Patient Information
- Milk allergy – Milk allergy (bda.uk.com)
- Milk reintroduction – Patient Information Leaflet
- Packed Lunch Ideas – Healthy packed lunches (bda.uk.com)
- Sources of calcium – Calcium (bda.uk.com)
- Using star charts – Patient Information Leaflet
- Vitamin D – Vitamin D (bda.uk.com)
- Weaning – Patient Information Leaflet
