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Cystic fibrosis - nutritional considerations

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Definition   

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a potentially life-threatening disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract. Persons with cystic fibrosis need to eat high calorie and high protein foods throughout the day.

This article discusses the nutritional needs for persons with CF. For specific information about the disease itself, see the article on cystic fibrosis.

Function   

The collection of sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis leads to serious digestion problems, including malabsorption.

Pancreatic enzymes are prescribed to improve the digestion and absorption of fat, carbohydrates, and protein.

The dietary needs of a person with cystic fibrosis are based on the severity of the symptoms, specifically the amount of malabsorption and extent of lung disease. The goal is to provide adequate nutrients to achieve normal growth and development. Nutritious, high-calorie, high-protein foods are essential from infancy through adulthood. Calorie and protein needs can be 50 - 100% greater than the Recommended Daily Allowance.

Historically, low-fat diets were encouraged to reduce problems with fat malabsorption. With pancreatic enzyme treatment, fat can provide 35 - 45% of calories, depending on the person's ability to tolerate it. A multivitamin is also recommended, since persons with CF absorb fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, K) poorly. Liberal salt use is encouraged, since persons with CF lose large amounts of salt in their sweat.

Side Effects   

The most serious complication of CF is infection in the lungs. Nutrition plays an important role in strengthening the patient's immune system to fight infection.

Recommendations   

The following are methods for adding protein and calories to the diet. In addition to these tips, make sure that you are taking a multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E and K:

Update Date: 7/5/2007

Updated by: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Chairman, Nutrition Committee, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA and Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery,Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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