CF patients often require up to what percentage of caloric intake relative to peers?

• A. Up to 150% of peers
• B. 100% of peers
• C. 75% of peers
• D. 200% of peers

Answer: (A)

In cystic fibrosis, energy needs are higher because fat malabsorption from pancreatic insufficiency and the extra work of breathing from lung disease raise calorie expenditure. Because of this, many children with CF require more calories than healthy peers to maintain weight and growth. The commonly targeted level is about one and a half times the calories of healthy peers, reflecting roughly a 50% increase to compensate for malabsorption and increased energy use.

So, consuming up to about 150% of peers’ caloric intake aligns with meeting these higher demands without overloading the daily intake. In contrast, normal (100%) intake would be insufficient for growth, and 75% would be even more inadequate. Some very affected individuals might need more than 150% (approaching higher percentages in extreme cases), but 150% is the typical upper bound used in many guidelines.