Fatty Acid Deficiency and Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that results in excess mucus being trapped in the lungs. It is most often associated with a deficiency of essential fatty acids. Consuming more, often in the form of fish oils, is a great way to get relieve from the symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis.

David P. Katz wrote an article called Seriously Ill Cystic Fibrosis (Nutrition, Vol. 12, No. 5, 1996) that states those individuals who are not unable to absorb fats and various nutrients need to increase their consumption of essential fatty acids. Most people who have been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis have an essential Omega 6 fatty acid deficiency. Consuming enough fish oil can help reduce the inflammation experienced.

There have been many studies involved to establish the link between the need for fish oil supplements to control Cystic Fibrosis. In almost every study it was found that taking such a supplement did help the patients. A article written by Lawrence and T. Sorrell (Lancent, Vol. 342, August 21, 1993) explains the research they did regarding the effects of fish oil supplements on patients with Cystic Fibrosis. Half of the patients received a fish oil capsule with 2.7g of EPA. The other half of the patients got a placebo of an olive oil capsule. This was done daily for a six week period of time. Those who took the EPA ended up with less mucus in their lungs, they were able to breath easier, and they felt better.

Due to the positive effects that essential fatty acids have for those with Cystic Fibrosis, it is a good idea for them to consider adding such supplements to their daily diet. This can be in the form of fish oil supplements and Vitamin E because of the antioxidant properties.

The research has shown that essential fatty acid deficiencies can be linked to Cystic Fibrosis so make sure you take the necessary daily value to protect yourself from such ailments. Take fish oil supplements and increase the amount of fish and walnuts. You consume.

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Liver Disease in Cystic Fibrosis

The median age of the population with cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased worldwide, which has led to the suggestion that the prevalence of liver disease would increase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural history of CF-associated liver disease over a 15-year period in a well-controlled population of patients with CF. During the years 1976 through 1993, 124 patients were followed up by yearly liver function tests (LFTs). Fifteen patients were followed up with liver biopsies throughout the whole study period.
More than 50% of the patients had pathological LFTs in infancy, later being normalized. Approximately 25% of children 4 years of age or older had biochemical markers of liver disease during the study period. In about 10% of the patients, cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis was confirmed at biopsy and 4% of patients had cirrhosis with clinical liver disease.

Severe liver disease developed mainly during prepuberty and puberty. Of the 15 patients prospectively followed up with liver biopsies, only 3 had progressive fibrosis. No specific risk factor was identified, but deficiency of essential fatty acids was found more often in patients with marked steatosis (P < .05).

No patient developed clinical liver disease in adulthood and the histological changes in the liver biopsies were usually not progressive. Liver disease was no more frequent at the end of the study period although the median age of the patient population had increased.

Modern treatment might positively influence liver disease because it seemed less common, less progressive, and less serious than previously reported.