Cystic Fibrosis Nutrition (CFN)

Cystic Fibrosis Nutrition (CFN) is a subunit within the Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy DPG of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

CFN is a specialty group for dietitians who work with or are interested in patients living with cystic fibrosis (CF) – the most commonly inherited disease amongst Caucasians. Over the past decade, the advances made in cystic fibrosis have been substantial. Most recently, the advent of Kalydeco has allowed patients living with a certain genotype of cystic fibrosis to live long beyond their initial life expectancies. Aside from this, the progress made in medical and nutritional therapies have lengthened the average lifespan into the early 40s and beyond.

This disease state is heavily dependent on optimized nutrition strategies, which is associated with improved pulmonary function. CF not only affects the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, gastrointestinal tract, metabolism, and nutrient absorption. The medical nutrition therapy for cystic fibrosis includes but is not limited to: individualized dietary modifications, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, vitamin and mineral supplementation, nutrition supplement shakes, probiotic supplements, and electrolyte replacement.

The goals of this group include developing standards of care and education materials for patients and professionals, promoting discussions on implementation of how to utilize the International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology manual specific to cystic fibrosis, and offer evidence-based resources while allowing for conversations on potential areas of future research.

Click here for CFN Resources.