Dietary Tips for Children With Cystic Fibrosis

It's difficult enough trying to get a healthy child to eat, let alone a child who is living with cystic fibrosis. And, children with cystic fibrosis require special nutritional requirements. Getting them to eat the right foods can mean the difference between life and death.

A Diet High In Calories and Protein

Children with cystic fibrosis need a diet that is high in calories and protein. Why? Because children with cystic fibrosis lack pancreatic enzymes, which cause much-needed fat and protein to be lost in stools. In addition, a child with cystic fibrosis needs a well-balanced diet to ward off lung infections.

Eat More Sausage!

Foods which are high in calories and protein, such as sausage, will help your child to get the nutritional requirements they need even if they only eat small portions.

Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements suggested by your child's dietician, should be given immediately after meals or at bedtime since they tend to be filling.

Give your child pancreatic enzyme supplements with milk-based supplements.

When available, give your child supplements that have been incorporated into milk shakes, fruit juices or powder or liquid mixes.

Tube Feeding

If your child is unable to maintain their ideal weight, or is beginning to lose weight, you may want to consider tube feeding. There are two options available for tube feeding: 1) nasogastric and 2) gastronomic. Read more about tube feeding.

Vitamin Supplements

Children with cystic fibrosis also lose some vitamins in their stools, in particular, fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E. Therefore, vitamin supplements may be necessary. Blood tests will indicate if your child requires vitamin supplements.

Salt Supplements

During hot weather, exercising or active play, your child will lose salt as they sweat. If salt levels drop, your child's doctor may suggest salt supplements.

Pancreatic Enzyme Supplements

Creon and Pancrease are pill-form supplements that children with cystic fibrosis can take when pancreatic enzyme levels are low.

Oral Care

Be sure your child brushes their teeth thoroughly and regularly and rinses their mouth with water after sugary meals and snacks. Schedule dentist appointments for your child every four months and be sure your child's dentist is aware of his/her cystic fibrosis.

Dietician

If your child doesn't already have one, get him/her a dietician. Dieticians can provide helpful information about supplements and suggestions for helping your child maintain their ideal weight.

Source: cftrust.org.uk
Created 12/03/05