Evolving Nutritional Needs in Cystic Fibrosis

The course of cystic fibrosis (CF) as a nutritional illness is diverging since the introduction of highly effective modulator therapy, leading to more heterogeneous phenotypes of the disease despite CF genetic mutations that portend worse prognosis. This may become more evident as we follow the pediatric CF population into adulthood as some highly effective modulator therapies (HEMT) are approved for those as young as 1 year old. This review will outline the current research and knowledge available in the evolving nutritional health of people with CF as it relates to the impact of HEMT on anthropometrics, body composition, and energy expenditure, exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiencies (the latter resulting in CF-related diabetes), vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and nutritional health in CF as it relates to pregnancy and lung transplantation.

Automated summary

The introduction of highly effective modulator therapy has led to more heterogeneous phenotypes of cystic fibrosis (CF) as a nutritional illness, despite the genetic mutations predicting a worse prognosis. This may become more evident as pediatric CF patients transition into adulthood with the approval of highly effective modulator therapies for young children. This review outlines the current research and knowledge on the impact of highly effective modulator therapy on the nutritional health of people with CF.