Cystic fibrosis nutrient absorption

Q10 Pancreatic insufficiency occurs in approximately 80% of cystic fibrosis patients. There is a marked reduction in the water, electrolyte and enzyme content of pancreatic secretion. Because of deficient digestive enzymes, there is inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients and some nutritional deficiency occurs. 

Patients with cystic fibrosis secrete very viscous mucus in the lung and suffer repeated lung infections. The pancreas is also affected and patients are deficient in pancreatic enzymes this reduces digestion and absorption of nutrients, so affecting growth. 

Since cystic fibrosis patients lack digestive enzymes, enzyme preparations containing amylase, lipase and proteases are prescribed in order to improve intestinal absorption of nutrients. 

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