Efficacy of a nonrestricted fat diet in patients with cystic fibrosis
E. Luder, M. Kattan, J. C. Thornton, K. M. Koehler and R. J. Bonforte
Jack and Lucy Clark Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029-6574.
We sought to determine if an increased oral intake with a noninvasive
nutrition program in patients with cystic fibrosis could influence growth,
weight gain, and pulmonary function. Thirty-seven patients, aged 2 to 27
years, were instructed to consume a nonrestricted fat diet during an
intervention period of 4 years. The results showed that patients increased
the mean energy intake significantly to a level of more than 120% of the
recommended daily allowance. The enhanced intake resulted in significant
weight gain. Pulmonary function (forced expiratory flow 25%-75%)
deteriorated during the 2-year preintervention period but stabilized during
the 4-year intervention period. Both male and female patients were able to
maintain their established height and weight scores during adolescence. The
recommendation for a high-energy diet with no restrictions placed on the
fat intake and the control of the steatorrhea by administration of an
optimal enzyme dosage is supported by our data. Individualized nutritional
counseling should be attempted before implementing invasive nutritional
intervention programs.
