The optimal approach to nutrition and cystic fibrosis: latest evidence and recommendations

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive genetic disease that affects multiple organ systems. Therapy is directed to maintain and optimize nutritional status and pulmonary function, as these are key factors in survival. In this review, the most recent findings regarding nutritional management associated with pulmonary function and outcome will be explored. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence-based and expert-based guidelines emphasize the need for adequate nutritional intake to improve nutritional status. For infants and young children, the aim is to achieve the 50th percentile of weight and length for a healthy same-age population up to age 2 years. For older children and adolescents 2-18 years, the target is a BMI of at or above the 50th percentile for healthy children. For CF adults of at least 18 years, the target is a BMI of at or above 22 kg/m for women and at or above 23 kg/m for men. Recently, new drugs are developed with the aim to treat the malfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. This potentiator/corrector therapy improves lung function and nutritional status and decreases the number of infective exacerbations. As survival is improving and the CF population is aging, it is important to focus on micronutrient and macronutrient intake of CF patients in different age and disease stages. SUMMARY: Recent evidence-based nutritional guidelines and improved medical treatment support the nutritional monitoring and interventions in CF patients. Nutritional care should be personalized and provided by a specialized CF dietitian because patients' care needs may change dramatically during their disease progress.