How to Treat Cystic Fibrosis With Oral Enzymes

Excess-mucus production in people who have cystic fibrosis (CF) prevents pancreatic enzymes from reaching the small intestine. As a result, it's important to treat CF with oral enzymes to aid with food digestion and nutrient absorption, preventing malnutrition. Oral enzymes are used by more than 90 percent of people who have CF.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Get the Right Oral Enzymes

1. Decide when to use oral enzymes to treat cystic fibrosis. Speak with a physician if the CF patient is having difficulty gaining weight despite a high-calorie diet and a healthy appetite. Other symptoms include bloating and intestinal problems.

2. Use only the enzymes prescribed by your physician and do not substitute for other enzymes when you have your prescription filled.

3. Realize generic enzymes are not as effective as name brands.

Use Oral Enzymes to Treat Cystic Fibrosis

4. Use oral enzymes to break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats, so that food can be properly digested and absorbed.

5. Take oral enzymes with every meal and most snacks. Be sure to take the right enzymes in the right doses, depending on what you're eating. In most cases, you won't need enzymes for foods with simple carbohydrates, such as fruit, hard candy, soft drinks, tea, or coffee.

6. Always have a supply on hand, so that you can take it when you are away from home.

7. Take enzymes right before meals. They are only effective for about an hour.

8. Store enzymes at room temperature in an airtight container, preferably the one from the manufacturer. Never refrigerate enzymes or expose them to heat.

9. Take oral enzymes by mouth beforehand if you are supplementing your diet with tube feeding to promote weight gain and nutrient intake.

Give Oral Enzymes to Babies and Children

10. Give oral enzymes to babies in powder form. You can also buy formula with easily digestible proteins and fats.

11. Mix oral enzymes into food for children by opening a capsule and adding the enzyme beads to a slightly acidic food, such as applesauce.

12. Do not mix enzymes with dairy products.

Tips & Warnings

• Use oral enzymes in conjunction with vitamin supplements to promote nutrient absorption.
• Know that digestive enzymes are pork-based, but many people with religious-dietary restrictions have been given permission to use them.
• Consider participating in FDA-sponsored clinical trials involving digestive enzymes.
• Never use expired enzymes.
• Never crush or chew enzyme beads. They are coated with a material that ensures the enzyme will be delivered to the small intestine for proper digestion.

Resources

• Clinical trials information at the Cystic Fibrosis Services, Inc. website.

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