Dietary intake and nutritional status in a Scandinavian adult cystic fibrosis-population compared with recommendations

Dietary intake and quality among adults with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review

AIMS

This systematic review aims to describe the dietary quality, dietary intake and related behaviours of adults diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in four databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, CENTRAL); studies were included if they addressed dietary intake, diet quality or eating behaviours among adults (≥15 years) living with cystic fibrosis and were published from January 2000 to November 2022. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the risk of bias and quality of included studies. Findings were synthesised narratively.

RESULTS

Nineteen observational studies (n = 2236) were included and considered high to moderate quality. Most (13/19) studies reported that individuals with cystic fibrosis were consuming high-energy diets; where studies reported energy intake as a proportion of requirements met, energy intake was high, even when using individualised or cystic fibrosis-specific referents. In addition, fat intakes as a proportion of energy appeared high (29%-39% of total energy), particularly as current guidelines recommend macronutrient profile similar to the general population (<30% of total energy). There was considerable variation in the reporting of fatty acid profiles and other nutrients. Five studies reported on concerns regarding diet and eating in this population.

CONCLUSION

Findings from the current review suggest dietary intakes of adults with cystic fibrosis appear to be less than optimal and concerns about diet, weight and food may be emerging in this population. Future research utilising consistent measures of dietary assessment and reporting, reporting of medical therapies, and exploring potential concerns about diet and eating is warranted.

ESPEN-ESPGHAN-ECFS guideline on nutrition care for cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Nutritional status is paramount in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and is directly correlated with morbidity and mortality. The first ESPEN-ESPGHAN-ECFS guidelines on nutrition care for infants, children, and adults with CF were published in 2016. An update to these guidelines is presented.

METHODS

The study was developed by an international multidisciplinary working group in accordance with officially accepted standards. Literature since 2016 was reviewed, PICO questions were discussed and the GRADE system was utilized. Statements were discussed and submitted for on-line voting by the Working Group and by all ESPEN members.

RESULTS

The Working Group updated the nutritional guidelines including assessment and management at all ages. Supplementation of vitamins and pancreatic enzymes remains largely the same. There are expanded chapters on pregnancy, CF-related liver disease, and CF-related diabetes, bone disease, nutritional and mineral supplements, and probiotics. There are new chapters on nutrition with highly effective modulator therapies and nutrition after organ transplantation.

Cystic Fibrosis-Related Gut Dysbiosis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is associated with gut dysbiosis, local and systemic inflammation, and impaired immune function. Gut microbiota dysbiosis results from changes in the complex gut milieu in response to CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction, pancreatic malabsorption, diet, medications, and environmental influences. In several diseases, alteration of the gut microbiota influences local and systemic inflammation and disease outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of the gut microbiota in CF and explored factors influencing dysbiosis.

METHODS

An electronic search of three databases was conducted in January 2019, and re-run in June 2021. Human, animal, and in vitro studies were included. The primary outcome was differences in the gut microbiota between people with CF (pwCF) and healthy controls. Secondary outcomes included the relationship between the gut microbiota and other factors, including diet, medication, inflammation, and pulmonary function in pwCF.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies were identified. The literature confirmed the presence of CF-related gut dysbiosis, characterized by reduced diversity and several taxonomic changes. There was a relative increase of bacteria associated with a pro-inflammatory response coupled with a reduction of those considered anti-inflammatory. However, studies linking gut dysbiosis to systemic and lung inflammation were limited. Causes of gut dysbiosis were multifactorial, and findings were variable. Data on the impact of CFTR modulators on the gut microbiota were limited.

CONCLUSIONS

CF-related gut dysbiosis is evident in pwCF. Whether this influences local and systemic disease and is amenable to interventions with diet and drugs, such as CFTR modulators, requires further investigation.

Identifying specific needs in adult cystic fibrosis patients: a pilot study using a custom questionnaire

Background

Adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) experience daily physical symptoms and disabilities that can be challenging to address for health care teams.

Methods

We sought to identify the most frequent topics that CF adults need to discuss with health care teams using a custom questionnaire including 62 items.

Results

Fifty patients were included, 70% men, mean age 27.6 years, with a mean body mass index of 21.8 kg/m². Mean FEV₁% was 64% of predicted value. Forty-two percent of patients selected at least one topic. The most frequently selected topics were fatigue (20%), professional or scholar worries (18%), procreation (16%), physical activities (16%) and evolution of CF disease (16%). Women were more frequently concerned about fatigue, procreation and profession/school.

Conclusions

Using a custom questionnaire, we identified that CF adults express various unmet needs that extend beyond usual respiratory and nutritional concerns or treatment adherence. The interest of this questionnaire by health care team for improving therapeutic management of CF patients remains to be validated.

Trial registration: The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02924818) on 5th October 2016.

Dietary intake and nutritional status of micronutrients in adults with cystic fibrosis in relation to current recommendations

An increased prevalence of cystic fibrosis (CF) related complications such as impaired bone health and diabetes has accompanied increased survival of patients with CF. This review was conducted to determine the extent to which adults with CF are meeting current nutrition recommendations for micronutrients in association with CF-related complications management. Although dietary intake and nutritional status in CF has improved significantly in recent decades, micronutrient status seems to have diverged. While vitamin A and E intakes appear adequate, frequent vitamin D and K deficiency/insufficiency and compromised bone health in CF, occurs despite supplementation. Although deficiency of water-soluble vitamins and minerals is uncommon, ongoing surveillance will enhance overall health outcomes, particularly in cases of CF-related liver disease and deteriorated lung function and bone health. Salt and fluid status in CF may also need attention due to diminished thirst sensation and voluntary rehydration. Further investigation in micronutrient status optimisation in CF will inform the development of more effective and targeted nutrition therapies to enable integration of more refined recommendations for micronutrient intakes in CF based on individual needs and disease progression.