Which dietary approach is not recommended for CF nutrition?

• A. High-fat, high-carbohydrate diet
• B. High-protein, high-calorie diet
• C. Vitamin-fortified diet
• D. Frequent meals with pancreatic enzymes

Answer: (A)

In CF nutrition, the goal is to meet very high energy needs while maximizing fat and protein absorption, using pancreatic enzyme replacement with meals and fat-soluble vitamin supplementation. A diet that combines very high fat with a very high carbohydrate load is not ideal because, while fat provides calories efficiently, a large carbohydrate load increases CO2 production for the same amount of energy. For someone with CF who may have limited ventilatory reserve due to lung disease, extra CO2 can worsen breathlessness and gas exchange. So, this approach is not recommended.

The other approaches fit CF needs: plenty of calories from protein and fat to support growth and energy, vitamin fortification to prevent deficiencies from fat malabsorption, and frequent meals paired with pancreatic enzymes to optimize absorption of fats and proteins.