When Weight Gain is the Challenge
Offer Your Child Organic Calories!
Meeting Calorie Requirements with Organic Nutrition
Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) need to eat a well-balanced diet that is high in calories, fat, and protein to help them grow normally, build strong lungs and preserve lung function, and keep a strong immune system to fight infections. Typically a child with CF needs to consume 20% to 50% more calories per day than a person of the same size, gender, and age. The quality of these calories is just as important as the quantity. In general, children have a higher exposure to many environmental contaminants because they drink more water, eat more food, and breathe more air on a per unit weight basis as compared to adults. This is especially true for children with CF because of their high caloric intake. CF parents should take into consideration that numerous research studies have documented the superiority of organic foods. A United Kingdom Study found that organic milk can contain up to 60% more antioxidants than found in conventionally produced. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, are molecules that help to prevent damage to the body’s cells.
Complete Organic Nutrition
PediaSmart® Complete Nutrition Beverage contains 29 vitamins and minerals and the protein, fat and carbohydrates necessary for complete nutrition. Organic assures pure ingredients, no chemical processing and nothing artificial. Complete nutrition means that each serving provides all the nutrients needed for a well-balanced diet. A CF diet needs to be high in all nutrients but should have an emphasis on the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K as well as calcium, zinc, and iron. Below are the nutritional values for PediaSmart® for these important nutrients that tend to be lacking in the diet of a child with CF:
- View Charts
PediaSmart® Nutrients per 8 fl oz Serving
Nutrients Amount per Serving % Daily Value Vitamin D (IU) 120 30 % Vitamin E (IU) 5.4 20 % Vitamin A (IU) 380 8 % Vitamin K (mcg) 14 20 % Iron (mg) 3.3 20 % Zinc (mcg) 1.4 10 % Calcium (mg) 230 25 %
Click to learn more about PediaSmart® Complete Nutrition Beverages.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is encouraged because it can help improve lung function, increase strength and endurance, increase bone density, and prevent bone loss. However, because children with CF lose more salt in their sweat compared to other children, they are at risk of dehydration and salt depletion especially when in hot weather. They may also be missing the thirst trigger in response to sweat which makes them more prone to becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can cause irritability, cramps, headaches, lethargy, fatigue, vomiting, and heat stroke. Dehydration can be avoided by hydrating adequately and maintaining appropriate salt levels prior to, during, and after physical activity. PediaVance® Oral Electrolyte Solution contains appropriate levels of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), water, and carbohydrates to help maintain proper hydration. Click for additional information about PediaVance® Electrolyte Solution. It is also important to eat enough calories to replace the calories burned in exercise to avoid weight loss.
Tube Feedings
Sometimes children with CF do not gain enough weight or grow properly even though they are eating as much as they can. This may occur when the child has a poor appetite, frequent infections, and/or malabsorption. Because of the connection between a higher body weight and better lung function and overall health, your child’s healthcare provider may recommend tube feedings. Under the guidance of a healthcare professional, PediaSmart® can be used in tube feedings to supplement what the child is eating or as a sole source of nutrition.
When PediaSmart® is used as a sole source of nutrition, 100% or more of the NAS-NRC Dietary Recommended intake for protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals can be met for children 1 to 13 years when consumed in amounts appropriate for a child’s age.
- In 1000 milliliters (approximately 33 fl. oz.) for children 1 to 8 years of age
- In 1500 milliliters (approximately 55 fl. oz.) for children 9 to 13 years of age
Probiotics
Children with CF often have diarrhea due to malabsorption and/or the frequent use of antibiotics to treat lung infections. The result may be an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria in the intestinal tract and not enough “good” or beneficial bacteria, which can further affect digestion and absorption of nutrients. Probiotics are live microorganisms that may help with digestion and absorption of foods, as well as the treatment and prevention of diarrhea, by providing protection against harmful bacteria and replacing beneficial bacteria. Baby’s Only Essentials® Probiotic is intended for children 1-year of age or older. When supplements are directed and supervised by an infant's healthcare professional, parents should seek specific advice on supplementation for an infant who is ill or immune compromised. Learn more
Medical Hardship Program
Medical Hardship Program is designed for children who do not qualify for Medicare and Medicaid or private insurance coverage. Nature's One® offers a discount for children with certain medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis. The enrollment process requires a recommendation from a physician and application approval by Nature's One®.
Click for more details about our Medical Hardship Enrollment.
