Nutrition

Eating a healthy balanced cystic fibrosis diet is essential

It is important to support your cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment regimen with a healthy, balanced diet, in accordance with the advice of your doctor. This should include a variety of different foods – carbohydrates, proteins and fats, the major sources of energy for the body.^1,2

People with CF may need more energy (calories), fat and protein than other people because their body finds it more difficult to digest and absorb these from food.2,3 The exact amount of energy and fat needed varies from person to person, so you should always check with your doctor or nurse for specific CF dietary advice.³

If you are concerned about your weight at any time, please speak to your doctor or nurse. They may arrange a meeting with a dietician who can advise you on any appropriate changes that can be made to your diet.

Eating a diet rich in energy, fat and protein

Although the amount of energy, fat and protein needed will vary from person to person, everyone with CF should eat a balanced and varied diet.

In order to eat the additional energy, fat and protein needed, three meals a day plus snacks between meals is usually recommended.²

Foods such as nuts, avocadoes, oily fish, cakes and biscuits are good sources of fat and energy. While cheese, cream and butter can be added to meals as an easy way of increasing the fat and energy content.⁴

If you are struggling to consume enough energy, your doctor, nurse or dietician may recommend a supplement to help you meet your energy and nutrient needs.

Related resources