Infants, children and adolescents with CF are expected to gain weight and grow like their peers without CF.
A weight for length at or above the 50th percentile is an “ideal body weight” for an infant or young child with CF
BMI is the relationship between weight and height (BMI= kg body weight/m2 height)
A BMI at or above the 50th percentile is an “ideal body weight” for a child with CF.
Adults with CF over the age of 20 are expected to maintain an average BMI
A Male’s ideal BMI is 23kg/ m2
Critical Growth Periods are times of life when energy and nutrient needs are at their highest and can be challenging times for maintaining optimal nutrition for people with CF
A time of rapid growth of bones, body tissues such as muscles, lungs, brain and other vital organs
Growth during the first few years of life affects lung function later in life (LINK)
Behavioral feeding issues
A time of rapid growth of bones and increasing fat and or muscle mass
A time with a higher risk for CF related diabetes (CFRD)
Often a time of increased physical activity with organized sports
A time of increased independence including changes is self perception, lifestyle habits, and decreased adherence to CF therapies and dips in self esteem.
A time of increased energy needs to support fetal growth and development
A time of increased nutrient needs such as iron, folic acid, essential fatty acids, calcium and vitamin D.
A time of increased risk of abnormal glucose tolerance (insulin resistance) and gestational diabetes
Pre-planning for pregnancy is recommended
A time of increased energy needs to produce milk (about 700 additional calories daily)
A time of increased Vit D and calcium needs
A time of increased fluid needs
Lactation may not be advisable if Mom is not well nourished.