Healthy Eating at All Ages

It is important for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) to learn good nutrition habits and their dietary needs at every age.

Learn to adapt your diet as you grow

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) recommends adjusting dietary needs according to age, weight, and growth. That means getting the right kind of nutrition during all stages of life, from infancy through childhood and all stages of adulthood.

People with CF often also have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which can require taking pancreatic enzymes and specific vitamins to supplement their diets. Many patients and their caregivers work with dietitians to help them learn what foods to eat throughout their lifetime.

7 nutrition essentials for children with CF

Children with EPI due to CF need a balanced diet with optimal calories, vitamins, and minerals. Note that your child will also need more calories, vitamins, and salt compared to children who do not have CF.
Children who have CF need to take prescription pancreatic enzymes with every meal and snack.
Children who have CF need extra calories. Fat is the best source of calories because each teaspoon has 45 calories while protein and carbohydrates have 20 calories. Here are a few ways to add extra calories and nutrients:
- Whole milk at every meal (add cream for extra calories)
- Whole-milk dairy products, like cottage cheese, yogurt, and puddings
- About 1,000-1,300 mg of calcium daily for healthy bones
- Salty snacks and extra salt on food to replace the salt lost in sweat throughout the day, especially on hot and humid days or if your child is very active
- Cream cheese on hot foods, breads, whole grains, and crackers
- Foods high in zinc and protein, like meats, eggs, and nuts, to aid in bone growth
- Extra cheese in casseroles, on pizza, and in sandwiches
- Vegetables with margarine, butter, or salad dressing for dipping
- Fresh fruit dipped in whole-milk yogurt
- Ripe avocado as a treat
Set regular times for meals and snacks, so your child knows when to eat and can become familiar with a routine for mealtimes. Make a habit of eating with your child so they don’t become antsy.
If your child is a picky eater, pay attention to their favorite foods and adapt meals to their tastes. It may be helpful to keep food choices colorful or make them into faces and interesting shapes.
If your child starts sleeping over at friends’ homes, speak with the friends’ parents about your child’s dietary needs. Be sure to pack CF-friendly snacks for them.
When going on vacation, call the hotel ahead of time to arrange for a refrigerator in your room, if available. If you are flying or have a long car trip, bring a bag of snacks like crackers with peanut butter, muffins, or sandwiches.

5 nutrition essentials for teens with CF

Teens with EPI due to CF need a balanced diet with optimal calories, vitamins, and minerals. Note that your teen will also need more calories, vitamins, and salt compared to teens who do not have CF.
Teens who have CF need to take prescription pancreatic enzymes with every meal and snack. It may be helpful to keep a supply of enzymes wherever you go.
The teen years can be a very busy time with many school and social activities, so getting the necessary daily nutrients can be a challenge. Here are a few foods that can help:
- Protein sources like meat and meat products, milk and milk products, fish, seafood, soy products such as tofu, beans, eggs, and nuts
- Meats, which are a great source of the iron needed during puberty when muscles and blood volume increase
- Ice cream, yogurt, or pudding with fresh fruit topping
- Vegetables on pizza, lettuce and tomato in sandwiches, and shredded carrots in spaghetti sauce
- Whole milk and whole-milk products, like cottage cheese and yogurt, to reach the recommended daily dose of calcium (1,000-1,300 mg or about 3-4 servings)
- Salty snacks and extra salt on food to replace the salt lost in sweat throughout the day, especially on hot and humid days or if your child is very active
- Whole milk blended into milkshakes, butter melted over cooked vegetables, and creamy dips served with fresh celery and carrots
- Foods rich in fat-soluble vitamins D, K, and A, such as egg yolks, and fatty fishes like salmon and tuna
When going on vacation, call the hotel ahead of time to arrange for a refrigerator in your room, if available. If you are flying or have a long car trip, bring a bag of snacks like crackers with peanut butter, muffins, or sandwiches.
As your teen starts becoming more independent, involve them in meal preparation, including planning meals, buying foods, and cooking. Take them to the supermarket and have them help you shop. Watch some cooking shows together and find recipes online to make for the family.

Healthy Eating at All Ages

Learn to adapt your diet as you grow

6 nutrition essentials for infants with CF

6 nutrition essentials for toddlers with CF

7 nutrition essentials for children with CF

5 nutrition essentials for teens with CF

6 nutrition essentials for adults with CF