Which nutritional consequence is commonly seen in cystic fibrosis as a result of pancreatic insufficiency?

• A. Pancreatic insufficiency
• B. Iron overload
• C. Fat malabsorption
• D. Hyperglycemia

Answer: (C)

Fat malabsorption is the nutritional consequence most linked to pancreatic insufficiency in cystic fibrosis. When pancreatic ducts are blocked or damaged, enough digestive enzymes—especially lipase—don’t reach the small intestine. Without sufficient lipase, fats aren’t digested properly, so they’re poorly absorbed. This leads to steatorrhea (bloated, foul-smelling, greasy stools), weight loss or poor weight gain, and deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Management focuses on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy with meals and snacks, along with fat-soluble vitamin supplementation and a high-calorie diet to meet energy needs. Iron overload is not a typical direct consequence of pancreatic insufficiency, and hyperglycemia can occur later from pancreatic islet damage, but the immediate nutritional issue driven by the enzyme deficiency is fat malabsorption.