The Importance of an Adequate Diet in the Treatment and Maintenance of Health in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

This review focuses specifically on pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a serious inherited disease that affects the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems in children and adolescents, causing chronic inflammation, infections, and impaired nutrient absorption. A key component of patient care is monitoring nutritional status, particularly based on BMI, which correlates with lung function and life expectancy. This paper presents the latest guidelines for dietary therapy, including a high-calorie and fat-rich diet supported by pancreatic enzymes, as well as the importance of vitamin and mineral supplementation in the context of CF pathophysiology. The role of modern therapies that modulate CFTR function to improve patients’ quality of life and support antimicrobial therapy is discussed. Particular attention is paid to the role of the gut microbiota and the potential for its modulation by probiotics, highlighting their potential to alleviate inflammation and support the immune system. The conclusions underscore the need for a comprehensive, individualized approach to diagnosis and therapy, which is crucial for improving the quality of life and health prognosis of children with CF. New visual tools and a clinical case study enhance the practical applicability of current recommendations, while emerging areas such as microbiome-targeted interventions and treatment inequalities are also addressed.