DIETARY FIBER AND THE OCCURRENCE OF GUT SYMPTOMS IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

Objective-To evaluate the effect of currently recommended energy rich cystic fibrosis diets on fibre intake and to investigate the relations hip between fibre intake and the occurrence of gut symptoms. Method-Pr ospective completion of nonweighed five day food diaries by 28 childre n with cystic fibrosis and comparison of mean daily fibre intake with age matched controls who did not have cystic fibrosis. Prospective com pletion of similar diaries to a total of 68 children with cystic fibro sis and comparison of fibre and lipase intake with the occurrence of g ut symptoms. Results-Mean daily fibre intake in children with cystic f ibrosis was 7.00 g compared with 14.65 g in controls (p<0.001). Mean d aily fibre intake in eight patients troubled with moderate or severe a bdominal pain was 0.144 g/kg. This was significantly lower (p<0.01) th an mean values for 22 patients with occasional but mild symptoms (0.24 9 g/kg) and 38 with no gut symptoms (0.312 g/kg). There was a trend to wards higher pancreatic enzyme doses (lipase/kg/day) in children with abdominal pain. Conclusions-Currently recommended cystic fibrosis diet s have a low fibre content. A low residue diet might be an important f actor in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal symptoms.