Abbott today announced the launch of CFChef, a new online nutrition destination developed to help meet the unique nutritional needs of people living with cystic fibrosis (CF). In addition to serving as an online nutrition resource, the CFChef program will allow those touched by CF to share and receive support through recipes and meal tips.
To kick off this initiative, Abbott is hosting a CFChef Challenge recipe contest. From now through Sept. 28, 2011, individuals living with CF, their families, friends, caregivers and others are invited to submit original recipes for a CF diet or traditional recipes adapted to a CF diet online at www.Chef4CF.com.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and pancreas of children and adults. Many people living with CF are unable to properly digest food due to lack of digestive pancreatic enzymes, which may result in malnutrition. To get enough calories to promote normal weight gain and growth, individuals with CF may need to consume up to two times as many calories as a person without the disease.
“When cooking for someone with CF, you have to rethink the nutrition ‘rules’ that apply to the general population. ‘Low fat, low cal’ is not the goal,” explains Suzanne Michel, a registered dietitian at a leading children’s CF center in Philadelphia. “In my 30 years of working with people with CF, I’ve learned that mealtimes can be challenging for families. The CFChef resource addresses those needs, providing useful nutritional information, recipes and tips for people living with CF from infancy to adulthood.”
Submissions for the CFChef Challenge recipe contest will be accepted in four categories: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack. The top recipes will be judged by a panel of experts including: Boomer Esiason, CF advocacy leader; Suzanne Michel, CF expert dietitian; Michael Symon, a Food Network “Iron Chef”; and Ali Christensen, “America’s Got Talent” contestant and CF patient.
“As a parent of a college-aged son with cystic fibrosis, I know how important nutrition is,” says Boomer Esiason, former NFL quarterback and CF advocate. “The CFChef program offers the opportunity for the CF community to connect and share creative recipes while receiving educational information about nutrition.”
About CFChef
CFChef is a comprehensive nutritional resource to help people living with CF and their families better understand the unique needs of people living with the disease. In addition to serving as an educational resource, CFChef is a place where families, friends and caregivers of people with CF can share recipes. Visit CFChef at www.Chef4CF.com.
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. The majority of people living with CF are unable to properly digest food due to lack of digestive pancreatic enzymes, and good nutrition is extremely important for growth. With more than 70 percent of people diagnosed with CF by age two, nutritional information for both children and adults can aid in proper growth and development.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott’s news releases and other information are available on the company’s website at www.abbott.com.