Taurine supplementation, fat absorption, and growth in cystic fibrosis.

The effect of taurine supplementation (30 to 40 mg/kg/24 hr) on fat absorption and related measurements was examined in 21 preadolescent children with cystic fibrosis (CF) using a 12-month double-blind crossover technique. The mean coefficient of fat absorption was unchanged by taurine both in the unselected study group (without taurine, mean +/- SD 84.0% +/- 11.9%; with taurine, 84.4% +/- 11.8%, n = 20) and in a subgroup of seven children with moderately severe fat malabsorption (without taurine, 75.6% +/- 15.6%; with taurine, 74.8% +/- 14.6%). The mean fecal split fat/total fat ratio, which generally reflects bile acid-related fat malabsorption, was also unchanged. Linoleic and arachidonic acid deficiencies noted in plasma before supplementation showed no significant improvement with taurine supplementation. Likewise, plasma/serum vitamin A, E, and D levels were unchanged. Standard scores for height and weight were not affected significantly. This study does not support the use of taurine supplementation in the nutritional management of CF.