Gastrointestinal and Nutrition Implications in Cystic Fibrosis

The management of cystic fibrosis (CF) care continues to evolve rapidly with new medications treatments. The advancements in specialized CF care have added years of life as well as improved life quality for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Currently, more than half of the population is over the age of 18 years. As life expectancy for CF increases, the importance of overall physical and mental health maintenance has received more attention. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for children and adults with CF has shifted away from the so-called "CF legacy diet" with high fat, high energy foods to higher quality, individualized dietary patterns. Despite considerable improvements in respiratory function for many pwCF, gastrointestinal (GI) complications and nutritional deficiencies may persist. Effective management of GI symptoms assists in achieving nutrition goals and improving quality of life in this patient population.