Leena Watts
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects the body's epithelial cells, which are found in the sweat glands, lungs, and pancreas. It causes problems with the balance of salt and water in the body, resulting in the production of thick mucus that blocks the lungs and ducts, leading to infections and breathing issues. This condition also impacts the intestines' ability to absorb nutrients, making children with CF prone to malnutrition and growth issues. Therefore, they require a specialised diet to meet their nutritional needs and support their overall health and development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Children with cystic fibrosis require up to twice as many calories as those without the disease. This can be as much as 4,500 calories a day. |
| Fats | Children with cystic fibrosis should eat a diet high in fats, which are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Fats should make up 40% of their calories. |
| Salt | Children with cystic fibrosis lose more salt in their sweat than others, so extra salt is important. |
| Vitamins | Children with cystic fibrosis may not get enough vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble vitamins. |
| Iron | Iron is important to help fight infection and carry oxygen in the blood. Fortified cereal, meats, dried fruits, and dark green vegetables are good sources of iron. |
| Calcium | Children with cystic fibrosis are at a particular risk of osteoporosis, so calcium is important. Dairy products are good sources of calcium. |
| Zinc | Zinc is important for growth, healing, and fighting infection. Meats, liver, eggs, and seafood are good sources of zinc. |
| Portion sizes | Children with cystic fibrosis should eat 5-6 times a day. Smaller meals more often are better. |
| Dietary supplements | Dietary supplements are often required to help children with cystic fibrosis meet their nutritional needs. |
| Pancreatic enzymes | Most children with cystic fibrosis need replacement pancreatic enzymes before every meal to help them digest food. |
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What You'll Learn
High-calorie, high-fat foods
Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) often experience poor weight gain and slow lung function. They require a diet that is rich in calories and fat. This is because their bodies struggle to absorb nutrients and fats, and they need extra calories to maintain weight and slow the decline in lung function.
Children with CF should eat 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks a day to meet their calorie needs. It can be helpful to add extra fat to these meals and snacks. For example, full-fat dairy products like whole milk are good sources of fat and calories.
There are also certain foods that should be avoided. It is recommended to stay away from foods that are hard to digest, like those high in fibre and fat. This includes nuts, seeds, full-fat dairy, and high-fibre produce. Eating smaller meals 4 to 6 times a day may help manage symptoms. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus in the lungs.
In addition to their diet, children with CF may need to take vitamins and nutritional supplements. They may also require pancreatic enzymes to help them digest food and keep a healthy weight. It is important to work with a dietitian or nutritionist to ensure a healthy, balanced diet that meets the specific needs of the individual.
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Salt and mineral intake
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects the body's epithelial cells, which are found in the sweat glands, lungs, and pancreas. This causes problems with the body's balance of salt and water, leading to the production of thick mucus that blocks the lungs and other passageways. As a result, children with CF may experience issues with absorbing nutrients and require a diet that addresses these challenges.
Children with CF lose a lot of salt in their sweat, especially during hot weather and when they exercise. This can be replaced by adding salt to food and consuming salty snacks. Extra salt is important for children with CF as they lose more salt in their sweat than others. However, it is important to note that too much salt can have negative health effects, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional for specific recommendations.
In addition to salt, children with CF may also require additional minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc. Iron helps to fight infection and carry oxygen in the blood, and can be found in fortified cereals, meats, dried fruits, and dark green vegetables. Calcium is important for bone health, and people with CF are at an increased risk of osteoporosis. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, are good sources of calcium, and fruit juices may also be fortified with calcium. Zinc is important for growth, healing, and fighting infection, and can be found in meats, liver, eggs, and seafood.
It is important to work with a healthcare professional, such as a dietitian or nutritionist, to determine the specific mineral needs of a child with CF and to ensure they are met through a balanced diet and, if necessary, appropriate supplements.
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Iron and calcium
Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have specific dietary needs. They require up to twice as many calories as children without CF because living with a chronic chest infection means their body uses more energy. A diet rich in protein and calories is recommended.
Iron is important to help fight infection and carry oxygen in the blood from the lungs to every cell in the body. Fortified cereal, meats, dried fruits, and dark green vegetables are good sources of iron. Calcium is essential for bone health, and people with CF are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become weakened. Dairy products are good sources of calcium, and full-fat dairy provides additional fat and calories. For those who don't drink cow's milk, milk alternatives fortified with calcium are a good option. Calcium is also added to many fruit juices.
It is important to work with a dietitian or nutritionist to ensure a balanced and healthy diet that meets the specific needs of the individual.
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Vitamins and supplements
Cystic fibrosis can cause problems with the pancreas, liver, and other digestive organs, which can affect a child's interest in food and their ability to absorb nutrients and fats. Good nutrition can help prevent some of these problems and improve the child's immune system, helping to fight infection and keeping the child active.
Children with cystic fibrosis may not get enough vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble vitamins normally digested as part of fat absorption. There are vitamins specially formulated for children with cystic fibrosis, and a healthcare provider can advise on the right course of action. Iron and calcium are also important when a child's bones are growing, and zinc can help support the immune system and the ability to heal wounds.
Children with cystic fibrosis may require supplements to support normal growth and development. These can be in the form of drops or chewable tablets, or they may require supplemental feedings through a nasogastric tube (inserted through the nose into the stomach) or a longer-term gastrostomy tube.
Nutrition supplements are calorie-rich drinks that also contain protein, vitamins, and minerals. For some children, this added source of calories is enough to improve weight gain. If a high-calorie diet and nutrition supplements are not enough, a doctor or dietitian may recommend tube feedings.
A dietitian may recommend sports drinks for after sports practice or gym class, especially during hot weather.
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Portion sizes and eating schedules
Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) require a diet that is high in calories and fats. The amount of calories needed is higher when the child is ill or has an infection. A daily caloric intake of 2,900 to 4,500 is recommended, depending on the child's individual needs. To achieve this, children with CF should eat 5-6 times a day, including 3 meals and 2-3 snacks.
It is important to note that CF can cause problems with the pancreas, liver, and other digestive organs, which can affect a child's interest in food and their ability to absorb nutrients and fats. Therefore, it is recommended to work with a nutritionist or dietitian to figure out the child's specific nutritional needs and plan their diet accordingly.
Children with CF should focus on eating nutrient-rich foods from all the major food groups, including:
- Carbohydrates: Choose complex or starchy carbohydrates such as whole grains, rice, and potatoes.
- Fats: Include healthy fats such as oily fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils (sunflower, olive, soy, sesame, rapeseed).
- Proteins: Aim for 15-20% of their calories to come from protein sources such as meat, eggs, soy foods, fish, nuts, or beans.
- Fruits and vegetables: Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Dairy: Milk, yogurt, and cheese are good sources of calcium and fat. Fortified soy beverages and yogurts can also be included as alternatives.
In addition to these food groups, it is important to ensure adequate intake of certain micronutrients:
- Salt: Children with CF lose more salt in their sweat, especially during hot weather and exercise. Adding salt to food and including salty snacks can help replace this loss.
- Iron: Iron is important for carrying oxygen in the blood and fighting infections. Fortified cereals, meats, dried fruits, and dark green vegetables are good sources of iron.
- Zinc: Zinc supports growth, healing, and the immune system. Meats, liver, eggs, and seafood are good sources of zinc.
- Vitamins: CF can affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Healthcare providers can advise on specific vitamin supplements if needed.
It is also recommended to include high-energy snacks in between meals, such as seeds, nuts, grains, protein bars, cheese sticks, and vegetables. Smoothies can be enriched with protein sources such as yogurt or avocado and consumed as snacks or part of a meal.
For children who struggle to meet their nutritional needs through diet alone, nutritional supplements or tube feedings may be recommended by a healthcare provider. Additionally, pancreatic enzymes may be prescribed to aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
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Frequently asked questions
Children with cystic fibrosis should eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and protein. They should also consume plenty of calories and fats, which are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Good food choices include cheeseburgers, pizza with extra cheese and vegetables, eggs, sandwiches with toppings, milkshakes, and desserts made with dairy and topped with whipped cream.
High-energy snacks that are easy to carry to school and do not require refrigeration include seeds, nuts, grains, protein bars, cheese sticks, and vegetables.
Children with cystic fibrosis may need to take vitamins and supplements to meet their nutritional needs. It is also important to work with a dietitian or nutritionist to plan the best nutritional program for your child and accommodate their special needs.
