What is the overall goal of CF nutritional therapy?

• A. To maintain adequate weight and nutrient status for growth and health
• B. To minimize calories
• C. To rely only on fat-soluble vitamins
• D. To avoid physical activity

Answer: (A)

The primary aim of CF nutritional therapy is to support growth and overall health by keeping weight and nutrient stores adequate. In cystic fibrosis, the pancreas often cannot release enough digestive enzymes, leading to poor digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins, and the body’s energy needs are higher due to chronic lung infections and inflammation. To address this, nutrition plans emphasize a high-calorie, high-fat diet tailored to individual needs, along with pancreatic enzyme replacement to improve digestion, and targeted vitamin supplementation (A, D, E, and K) to prevent deficiencies. Adequate salt intake is also important because CF can cause higher sweat losses, especially in hot weather or during exercise, so maintaining proper electrolyte balance supports health and performance.

All these elements work together to promote steady growth, preserve muscle mass, and maintain immune function and lung health. Inadequate calories would jeopardize growth and energy; relying only on vitamins would not fix energy and fat absorption problems; and avoiding physical activity would miss the benefits of exercise for lung function and overall fitness.