[Cystic fibrosis: nutritional considerations]

During the last few decades, improved treatment measures and nutritional support in cystic fibrosis have increased survival and quality of life in these patients. There is a clear relationship between the development of malnutrition and worsening in respiratory function and both factors have been related to poor disease outcome. Malnutrition is a very frequent complication of this disease and is found in 20% of patients, due to negative energy-proteic balance. This disequilibrium can be explained by increased energy expenditure, high nutritional requirements and decreased oral intake. Periodic monitoring of clinical, anthropometrical and functional nutritional status is mandatory. Intake must be greater than requirements and specific nutritional support should be established when required. Patients with cystic fibrosis must receive a hypercaloric and hyperproteotic diet, with a high fat content, a normal quantity of carbohydrates and with pancreatic and liposoluble vitamin supplements in case of pancreatic insufficiency.