Nutritional Analysis – SCD Diet

Back in 2013 we were asked to record our teen’s complete food intake over 4 random days. The information was used for a small analytical study at Seattle Children’s Hospital. We were pleased to learn that despite the fact that our teen was practicing a very restricted diet- his nutritional intake was much better than most people who eat a rich and plentiful Standard American Diet (SAD).

Here is what the clinical pediatric dietitian that analyzed the data wrote to us:

His diet was fabulous – he eats a very well rounded diet.  I took the average intake of all vitamins and minerals and compared them to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for his age.  There were only 2 nutrients where he consumed on average, less than recommendations – calcium and vitamin D.  Compared to the other kids on the diet, this was typical.  2 of the other adolescents didn’t get enough calcium either and no one met recommendations for vitamin D.  So this project helped to show us that even when consuming the yogurt and allowed cheeses on a daily basis, the SCD does not support meeting vitamin D recommendations and often calcium as well. 

Keep in mind that this project only took into account food – I did not look at supplements.   I would doublecheck his multivitamins and make sure he is getting at least another 300-500 mg/day of calcium and 1000 units/day of vitamin D from those.  Also – more and more research is coming out on vitamin D and IBD and some is quite interesting.  Some indicate that a low vitamin D level might correlate with an increased frequency of flares.  So I would recommend that even with a supplement, he will have a vitamin D level checked once every year to make sure he is getting enough. 

His average calorie intake was 2570 calories/day and 119 grams of protein per day. 

Here is the 4 days food intake spreadsheet that was used for this information.