Are maternal diet, birth weight, breastfeeding and antioxidants playing a role in pediatric leukemia? A review

Purpose - This paper seeks to present the current evidence on maternal diet, birth weight, breastfeeding and antioxidants with regard to pediatric leukemia and to show the potential role of specific nutrients in the nutrition management of a child with cancer. Design/methodology/approach - The most up-to-date literature on various aspects of nutrition in pediatric leukemia have been considered and included in this report. Findings - One of the most common pediatric cancers is leukemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy, with a cure rate of 80 per cent. Maternal diet, breastfeeding and weight of child may play a significant role in the development of leukemia. Antioxidants and non-antioxidants nutrients also appear to be important contributors in decreasing the risk of leukemia. Originality/value - Information on the role of diet in pediatric leukemia is presented for expert dietitians.