Dietary management in cystic fibrosis includes which combination?

• A. Low fat, low calories
• B. Moderate fat, normal calories
• C. High fat high calorie diet with liberal fluid intake
• D. No dietary changes needed

Answer: (C)

In cystic fibrosis, the body has trouble digesting fats because the pancreas often doesn’t release enough enzymes, leading to fat malabsorption and the loss of fat-soluble vitamins. At the same time, people with CF have higher energy needs due to the work of breathing and the body’s efforts to fight infection. Because of these factors, the diet is structured to supply more calories and more fat to meet those increased energy requirements and to help replace the nutrients that aren’t being absorbed well. This is typically paired with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy to aid digestion and absorption.

Maintaining adequate hydration is also important because CF patients lose lots of sodium and water through sweat, and proper fluids help keep secretions thin and easier to clear. So a high-fat, high-calorie plan with liberal fluid intake aligns with both the need for energy and the need to stay hydrated, supporting better nutritional status and respiratory function. In contrast, low-fat or normal-calorie diets don’t meet the extra energy and nutrient needs, and no dietary changes would neglect the malabsorption and salt-loss issues characteristic of CF.