Comparison of the Macronutrient Intake of Healthy Controls and Children with Cystic Fibrosis on Low Fat or Nonrestricted Fat Diets

Abstract

SummaryThis study compares the nutrient intake of two cross‐sectional groups of patients attending the CF Clinic at the Adelaide Children's Hospital (A.C.H.). The first group (n = 33) was studied in 1979 while on low fat diets (LF), the second (n = 36) in 1983 on nonrestricted fat diets (NRF). The aim of the study was to assess the degree to which a change in fat intake has been achieved and the effect on nutrient intake and fat absorption. Data from both groups have also been compared with a group of 57 healthy controls. The study showed that when using a NRF rather than LF diet CF patients can achieve significantly improved, although not quite normal, fat intakes. There was a corresponding increase in energy intake such that intakes of CF patients on the NRF diet exceeded those of healthy controls and the RDA. The higher fat intakes appeared to be well tolerated with no evidence of increased steatorrhoea or stool energy loss. Growth improved in the younger group, but further studies on patients who have been established on the NRF diet since birth are needed to confirm that normal fat diets contribute to improved growth.