Why is a high-calorie, high-fat diet needed for people with cystic fibrosis (CF)?

Why is a high-calorie, high-fat diet needed for people with cystic fibrosis (CF)?

People with cystic fibrosis have nutritional needs that aren’t the same as the needs of people without CF. People with CF may need 1.5 to 2 times the number of calories as people without CF. You need the extra calories if you have CF because you use more energy than other people to breathe, fight lung infections and maintain your strength.

You also need more calories and fat because cystic fibrosis stops the digestive enzymes made by your pancreas from working completely. This means nutrients and fats from foods aren’t fully absorbed by your intestines.

Although the enzyme capsules that are taken before all meals and snacks helps digest fats, proteins and starches, a certain amount of nutrients and fats don’t get absorbed. If your body doesn't absorb enough fats, then fat-soluble vitamins aren’t being fully absorbed either, and these vitamins are needed to protect the lungs.

It’s also important to stress that people with cystic fibrosis should keep a higher than normal weight starting in early childhood. Researchers have shown that young people with CF who maintain a higher weight grow faster and taller up to puberty and again grow taller when they hit their growth spurt at puberty.

Young people with CF who started life at a lower weight did not grow as many inches, started puberty at a later age and never got that same puberty growth spurt. Reaching your full genetic potential — getting as tall as possible with lungs as large as possible — is another reason why higher-than-normal weight in young people with CF is so important.

Another common misbelief is that salt (sodium) is unhealthy for all people. This isn’t true for children and adults with CF. People with CF lose a lot of salt in their sweat. Although there’s not a set standard, healthcare providers generally tell people with CF to eat salty foods. This is true especially during hot, humid weather and exercise. If you have CF, you can probably add salt to meals and snacks as desired. Ask your provider or a registered dietician about the amount of salt you need each day.