"I try to reassure everyone who has been affected by this disease that CF isn't the end of the world if you don't want it to be."
The experience of living with cystic fibrosis is markedly different today than it was decades ago. Thanks to the discovery of the CF gene, the availability of effective drug therapies and advances in technology, the 30,000 Americans who deal with the disease day in and day out are living longer and fuller lives. In a word, they are thriving.

There is a multitude of organizations working to support the cystic fibrosis community, as well as a variety of tools and information available to help people with CF not just live, but thrive.

Nutrition

An important factor for staying healthy with cystic fibrosis is good nutrition. Thick mucus often gets in the way of proper digestion, causing malabsorption of nutrients. This problem is treated with pancreatic enzyme supplements, vitamins and a high-calorie, high-fat diet.

In CF, a high-calorie, high-fat diet is vital for normal growth and development in children, and it offers adults a way to maintain optimal health. The dietitians at CF care centers work with patients and their families to map out the best diet for each person.

Nutrition and general lung health are closely linked. People with CF may need extra calories to compensate for the malabsorption of nutrients. These extra calories also help generate the increased energy needed for breathing. In fact, for children with CF, extra fat calories are good for fueling normal growth and development.

Almost everyone with cystic fibrosis needs to take pancreatic enzyme supplements with meals and snacks. Taken by mouth, the enzymes go to work in the intestines to help digest food so it can be absorbed by the body. Patients should always check with their doctor or dietitian to know the exact amount of enzymes to take.

Most people with cystic fibrosis do not absorb fats properly, so certain vitamins, or “fat-soluble” vitamins, are not absorbed. These vitamins are Vitamins A, D, E and K. People with CF usually take these vitamins daily. Minerals, like calcium, iron, sodium chloride and zinc, also are essential to maintaining good health through nutrition. Certain foods are good sources of these minerals and they are also available as supplements.

Source: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

For additional information on nutrition and a proper diet, check out the resources below. Additional resources may be found on our Links Page.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Nutrition Changes Through Life
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Nutrition for Teens with CF
• Nemours Center for Children’s Health Media: Cystic Fibrosis and Nutrition

PREVIOUS
NEXT