Nutrition. 2025 Aug 11;141:112925. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2025.112925. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disorder that poses significant nutritional challenges. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of a structured Nutritional Intervention Package (NIP) and Conventional Nutritional Counseling (CNC) in improving the nutritional status of children with CF over a 6-month period.
METHODS: Seventy children aged 6 months to 18 years with confirmed CF were randomly allocated to the NIP (n = 35) or CNC (n = 35) groups. The primary outcome was weight gain. Secondary outcomes included changes in height, head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), total skinfold thickness (TSF), and body mass index (BMI). Anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline, three, and six months. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used for data analysis.
RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in anthropometric measurements over time, particularly in terms of weight (F = 51.289, P < 0.001, η² = 0.43) and height (F = 136.600, P < 0.001, η² = 0.668). A trend towards greater improvements in head circumference and BMI was observed in the NIP group, although the difference was not statistically significant.
DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the importance of structured nutritional interventions in CF management, regardless of the approach used. Future research should focus on long-term studies, personalized nutritional approaches, and strategies to improve adherence to nutritional regimens in children with CF.
PMID:40946359 | DOI:10.1016/j.nut.2025.112925
