To meet the increased nutritional needs of an infant with cystic fibrosis, which dietary change is most appropriate?

• A. Increase fresh fruits and vegetables.
• B. Advance to whole cow's milk.
• C. Change to a higher-calorie formula.
• D. Increase carbohydrate intake.

Answer: (C)

Infants with cystic fibrosis have higher energy needs because fat malabsorption and increased work of breathing raise how much energy they require. The best way to meet those needs is to switch to a higher-calorie formula. Increasing the energy density provides more calories per ounce, supporting growth without requiring a huge increase in volume. Other changes, like adding more fruits and vegetables, help micronutrients but don’t fix the overall energy deficit. Whole cow’s milk isn’t ideal for an infant and won’t adequately address the higher caloric and protein needs. Simply increasing carbohydrates isn’t as effective because fat malabsorption means those extra carbs won’t meet the energy demand as efficiently. A higher-calorie formula directly targets the increased energy requirement.