CHARLOTTE CF FAMILIES
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Nutrition & Supplements

Did you know... People with CF need to eat 20% to 50% more calories than people without CF?

Most people with CF have problems absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). This happens because the digestive system doesn't get enough of the pancreatic enzymes it needs to absorb fat or fat-soluble nutrients. Since vitamins are needed to keep your body healthy, your CF care team may prescribe specialty vitamins that have higher concentrations of vitamins A, D, E, and K to help you get the nutrients you need to grow and thrive.

Eat healthy, nutritious meals that include lots of salt, fat, and protein to give the body what it needs to grow and live well. Normal gains in weight and height can help build strong lungs and preserve lung function. In addition, a nutritious diet may also help build up the immune system so it can fight infections.

ADEK VITAMINS

Vitamin A helps with vision, cell function, and in forming bones and teeth. It also helps protect the body from infection and keeps intestines healthy.

Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D is important for the body's use of calcium. Bones can become too thin and weak without enough vitamin D.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It protects compounds in the body from combining with oxygen. When compounds combine with oxygen, they become harmful to the body. Vitamin E also helps keep red blood cells and intestines healthy. It helps fight infection.
​
Vitamin K helps blood clot. It also helps keep bones healthy.

SUPPLEMENTS CF FAMILIES RECOMMEND

CFF Herbal Product InformationCFF Herbal Product Information
  • Vitamin D
  • ADEK Vitamins
  • Ensure & Ensure Clear
  • Boost
  • Scandishake
  • NAC (lung health) 
  • Choline (liver health)
  • Milk Thistle (liver health)
  • EHB (immune support)
  • Elderberry syrup (immune support)
  • Zinc (immune support & lung health)
  • Fish oil/DHA (brain support)
  • MCT oil (weight gain)
  • VSL#3 (probiotic- gut health)

*If you are interested in adding any of these supplements, please consult with your doctor first.

Do you have a favorite nutritional supplement in your CF care routine? Let us know!

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

We understand how difficult it can be to afford all your CF medications. The resources below may be able to provide financial assistance.
Healthwell Foundation
Assistance for Families up to 500% of the Federal Poverty Level

CYSTIC FIBROSIS TREATMENTS FUND
up to $15,000 / yr

COVERS COPAYS FOR MANY CF MEDICATIONS AND NEBULIZER SUPPLIES

LEARN MORE

CYSTIC FIBROSIS VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS FUND
up to​ $2,000 / YR
COVERS THE COST OF MANY CF VITAMINS, PROBIOTICS & SUPPLEMENTS

LEARN MORE
CF Care Forward
Assistance for Patients Using CREON

CO-PAY ASSISTANCE
MULTIVITAMINS
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

LEARN MORE
Live2Thrive
Assistance for Patients Using ZENPEP

CO-PAY ASSISTANCE
VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS
LOYALTY REWARDS PROGRAM

LEARN MORE
Live2Thrive
Assistance for Patients Using
​PERTZYE or BETHKIS

CO-PAY ASSISTANCE
CASH BACK PROGRAM

LEARN MORE
*All recommendations listed above are provided by the Family Advisory Board and are not direct endorsements from the Atrium Health Cystic Fibrosis Program. Always consult your physician and CF Care Team about what is best for you.

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Charlotte CF Families website and CF Family Advisory Board are operated by local CF families with the guidance of the Atrium Health Cystic Fibrosis Program. No advice or recommendations on this page should be taken above that of your CF Care Team. Every person with CF is different. The advice and suggestions on this page are simply a guide to help families feel connected and informed. 
Last Published November2020 
Site Design by Rebecca Preslar
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • MEET THE CF CARE TEAM
    • CONTACT
  • RESOURCES
    • COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
    • Virtual Care
    • Programs & Opportunities for CF Families
    • Financial Assistance
    • Support Groups
    • Mental Health
    • Legal Aid
    • Nutrition & Supplements
    • Newsletter
  • WHAT IS...
    • Cystic Fibrosis
    • Antibiotic Resistance
    • Bronchodilator
    • Chest X-Ray
    • Hypertonic Saline
    • Inhaled Antibiotics
    • Labs / Blood Work
    • Mucus Thinners
    • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
    • PEP Device
    • Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
    • Pulmozyme / Dornase Alfa
    • Sputum Cultures
    • Sweat Test
  • EVENTS
    • 2020 CF Education Day Recap
  • NEWS & UPDATES