General aspects of nutrition, absorption and metabolism in patients with cystic fibrosis.

It is important to determine the energy losses and the possible deficiencies of vitamins and trace elements for the adequate treatment of the patient. The energy loss presumably can be assessed best by direct calorimetry, supplemented by the assay of faecal fat, nitrogen and of breath hydrogen. Restriction of energy losses is feasible by prescribing a high-protein diet with a normal fat content, preferably polyunsaturated fats, in combination with pancreatin. Deficiencies of vitamins and trace elements can be prevented by timely supplementation.