Effect of a dietary intervention on growth and energy expenditure in children with cystic fibrosis

AbstractBackgroundThe study aim was to determine the effect of a dietary intervention on growth, body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and pancreatic insufficiency (PI) in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial.MethodsSubjects (5 to 17yrs) participated in a 12-month trial of the organized lipid matrix LYM-X-SORB™ (LXS) vs. placebo dietary supplements with similar calories, total fat and fatty acids. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day weighed food records. Height (HAZ), weight (WAZ), BMI (BMIZ), mid-upper arm muscle (UAMAZ) and fat area (UAFAZ) Z-scores were calculated. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were obtained by whole body DXA. REE (kcal/d) was evaluated by indirect calorimetry at baseline, 3 and 12months and %REE calculated using Schofield equations. No growth or REE differences were observed between LXS and placebo groups so data were pooled for analysis.Results63 children (57% males, age 10.6±2.9yr, 43% receiving LXS) completed REE measurements. Caloric intake increased from a median of 2502 [1478, 4909] to 2616 [1660, 4125] kcal/d at 12months. HAZ, WAZ and UAMAZ increased (p<0.05) over 12months. Mean REE was 109±8% predicted at baseline and 107±9% at 12months (p<0.05). REE (kcal/d) adjusted for FFM and FM decreased over 12months ([mean±SE] −31±12kcals, p<0.01), significant only in males (−49±16kcals, p