Cystic fibrosis and malnutrition.

Cystic fibrosis as a specific disease entity has been known to be 
associated with malnutrition for almost half a century. The importance of 
the malnutrition in the disease process remains unknown, as does much 
information about specific nutritional deficiencies in CF. Supplements for children with 
CF should include extra energy as fat or carbohydrate, a form 
of linoleic acid that can be absorbed, hydrolyzed protein, fat-soluble vitamins 
with vitamins A and E in a water emulsion, vitamin B12, 
probably B vitamins and vitamin C, and trace minerals. Routine measurements 
of nutritional status, particularly in children with growth failure, should be 
made at regular intervals and should include a three-day diet record 
and a simultaneous 72-hour stool fat determination. If fat malabsorption is 
not controlled by pancreatic enzymes, the use of antacids or cimetidine 
should be considered. The true role of nutrition in patients with 
CF will not be known until the appropriate studies are completed. 
