Dietary intakes and quality of Irish adults with cystic fibrosis: Comparisons to nutrition guidelines and HEI-2020
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Supplementary Materials
Supplementary Materials
Supplementary Materials
Date
2025 -07-11
Authors
Greaney, Cian
McCarthy, Ellen
O'Brien, Lauren
Tecklenborg, Sarah
Howlett, Ciara
Cronin, Karen
Landers, Clodagh
Connolly, Mary
O'Sullivan, Derbhla
Whiston, Aoife
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Published Version
Abstract
Background: With evolving Cystic Fibrosis (CF) phenotypes resulting from changes to clinical management, healthier dietary practices are warranted for many people with CF. Whilst diet composition is reported, diet quality data is lacking in CF. This study aims to evaluate dietary intakes and diet quality in adults with CF via guideline comparison and a validated diet quality index. Methods: Cross-sectional study of Irish adults with CF. Demographic questionnaires and three-day food diaries were completed. Healthy Eating Index – 2020 (HEI-2020) assessed diet quality. Data was statistically analysed in SPSS®. Results: Of n = 68 participants (female: 58.8 %, age: 35.2 ± 10.1 years, FEV1%: 77.4 ± 25.1 %), 36.8 % were overweight/obese and 77.6 % pancreatic insufficient. While median (interquartile range) percentage estimated average requirement (EAR) was 110.1 (45.3) %, 50.0 % of participants were below CF energy requirements (110 % EAR). Mean percentage total energy intake (%TEI) protein (18.0 ± 3.9 %) aligned to dietary reference values (DRV). %TEI carbohydrates (44.1 ± 6.5 %) was below, and %TEI fat (37.1 ± 5.4 %), saturated fat (14.1 ± 3.3 %) and sugar (17.4 ± 5.6 %) exceeded DRV. Median vitamin A intake was adequate [936.6 (1005.2) µg], but vitamin D [3.6 (4.3) µg], E (9.6 ± 5.2 mg) and K1 [31.1 (71.2) µg] intakes were insufficient without supplementation. Regarding Irish healthy eating guidelines, 95.6 % of participants overconsumed energy-dense nutrient poor (EDNP) foods, with 76.5 % below vegetables, salad and fruit intake guidelines. Participants’ mean HEI-2020 score (0–100) was 59.3 ± 12.4. Conclusion: Findings indicate suboptimal diet quality. Despite reliance on EDNP foods, many did not achieve energy targets. Moving forward, emphasis on diet quality is of paramount importance to improve overall health in people with CF.
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Keywords
Cystic fibrosis , Diet quality , Food serves , Macronutrients , Micronutrients
Citation
Greaney, C., McCarthy, E., O'Brien, L., Tecklenborg, S., Howlett, C., Cronin, K., Landers, C., Connolly, M., O'Sullivan, D., Whiston, A. and Robinson, K. (2025) 'Dietary intakes and quality of Irish adults with cystic fibrosis: Comparisons to nutrition guidelines and HEI-2020', Journal of Cystic Fibrosis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2025.07.004