Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease affecting certain glands in the body, such as the gallbladder, pancreas, and sweat glands. The disease usually begins during infancy, though symptoms may manifest themselves later in life.

The greatest danger at the onset of the disease is malnutrition due to an underproduction of digestive juices. As a result, all foods, especially fats, are poorly digested and absorbed, and a deficiency in all nutrients, particularly in the fat-soluble vitamins, occurs. In addition, the sweat glands produce an unusually salty perspiration, draining the body of salt and making the patient susceptible to heat exhaustion. The mucous glands in the lungs, which normally aid in moistening the air passages, produce a thick mucus that blocks the passages and promotes the growth of harmful bacteria.

Treatment for the malnutrition that occurs with cystic fibrosis may include medication to compensate for the lack of digestive juices. The recommended diet is 25 percent higher than normal in calories, the majority being in protein, which is easier to digest than fats, and starches, which are nutritionally better than sugars. The intake of fluids and salt should be increased, particularly during hot weather. Because of the poor absorption of nutrients, additional vitamins – A, the B complex, C, D, E and K – should be included in the diet.

A New Zealand physician, Dr. Robert B. Elliot, who based his treatment on the fact that persons afflicted with cystic fibrosis have abnormally low blood levels of linoleic acid, gave periodic infusions of soy oil, which contains a large amount of linoleic acid, to several groups of children.  Oral supplementation was not effective. The results showed at least one of the characteristic biochemical abnormalities of the disease improved in all children tested.

At the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Wistar Institute, researches gave 13 children afflicted with cystic fibrosis dietary supplements of corn oil, vitamin E (to prevent oxidation), and pancreatic enzymes. After a year on the diet, all the children gained weight, grew taller, and seemed healthier and happier. In individual cases, the supplements relieved symptoms such as diarrhea, sodium loss, and general problems associated with poor nutrition. Running and walking exercises were also part of the program. Regular exercise helped the patients to keep their lungs clear of mucus and may be a factor in slowing the deterioration of lung function.

Information obtained from Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition

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