Ready-to-use supplemental food for nutritional supplementation in cystic fibrosis

Authors: PITMAN, RYAN - Washington University; MUI, MELODY - Washington University; MICHELSON, PETER - Washington University; MANARY, MARK - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Current Developments in Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/11/2019
Publication Date: 3/12/2019
Citation: Pitman, R.T., Mui, M., Michelson, P.H., Manary, M.J. 2019. Ready-to-use supplemental food for nutritional supplementation in cystic fibrosis. Current Developments in Nutrition. 3(5):nzz016. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzz016.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzz016

Interpretive Summary: Undernutrition is common in cystic fibrosis (CF) and yet current changes in diet have not shown consistent improvements, therefore, development of new nutritional interventions to increase energy intake is essential. Utilizing an excel-based program, six peanut-paste based recipes with enough calories, protein, and fat were developed and taste-tested by children with CF. Although preliminary, this study shows that a peanut-paste based food for increasing energy intake in children with CF is promising. Strategies learned from this study may have applicability to others that suffer from undernutrition.

Technical Abstract: Undernutrition is common in cystic fibrosis (CF) and is correlated with long-term outcomes, yet current nutritional interventions have not demonstrated consistent improvements in energy intake, and subsequently, growth. Development of novel nutritional interventions to increase energy intake is essential to improve clinical outcomes of individuals with CF. Ready-to-use supplemental food (RUSF) is a modifiable, inexpensive, palatable, safe, and nutrient-dense food for treatment or prevention of acute malnutrition in developing countries. Utilizing a linear-programming tool we identified 6 RUSF formulations with sufficient nutrient density (495 kcal/100 g), protein, and fat for children with CF. Palatability was established by a taste-trial and affirmed by a 2-wk tolerability assessment that demonstrated consistent consumption and tolerance of the RUSF. Although preliminary, this study demonstrates the potential for developing RUSF as a nutritional supplement for increasing energy intake in children with CF.