Cystic fibrosis is the most common inherited genetic disorder in the western world. It is a disease that affects both the respiratory and digestive systems. Due to poor nutrient absorption and lack of sun exposure, low levels of vitamin D are almost universal in people with cystic fibrosis, according to the International Journal of Endocrinology. Inadequate levels of vitamin D are associated with bone fractures and worsening lung disease.
Likelihood of Deficiency
If you or your child has cystic fibrosis, an 85 to 90 percent chance is present of a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency in cystic fibrosis is due to your inability to absorb vitamin D adequately from either plant or animal sources and your body's decreased ability to make its own vitamin D from sunlight.
Considerations
A cystic fibrosis patient may have a tendency to avoid sunlight due to increased photosensitivity from antibiotic use. Because of low body fat stores, there may also be a risk of absorbing less vitamin D from sunlight, since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. The degree of vitamin D deficiency may increase with age and severity of lung disease.
Recommendations
For a cystic fibrosis patient over the age of 1 year, the daily recommended vitamin D intake is 400 to 800 International Units per day, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Children under 1 year of age require 400 International Units of vitamin D per day. Special multivitamins have been developed to help treat cystic fibrosis. This multivitamin formula may make the vitamin D easier to absorb.
Foods Rich in Vitamin D
Foods high in vitamin D include vitamin D-fortified milk and vitamin D-fortified cereals, vitamin D-fortified soy products, mackerel, canned sardines with bones, egg yolk and cod liver oil. A dietitian may also advise drinking one of many medical nutritional supplements fortified with vitamin D.
Treatment
A cystic fibrosis healthcare team will monitor a patient's level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D or 5OHD in particular. If levels fall below 75 nmol/L, aggressive treatment may be recommended, which may include increased vitamin D supplementation as well as an increase in pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy to aid absorption of vitamin D. More research is needed, because the current practice of recommending supplementation of up to 800 International Units of vitamin D per day may not be sufficient to correct vitamin D deficiency in those with cystic fibrosis.
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