EFAD in CF is primarily due to malabsorption of which nutrient category?

EFAD in CF is primarily due to malabsorption of which nutrient category?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Fat and fat-soluble vitamins
• C. Proteins
• D. Minerals

Answer: (B)

Essential fatty acid deficiency arises when fat absorption is impaired. In cystic fibrosis, pancreatic insufficiency leads to poor fat digestion and absorption, so fats—and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K—are the nutrients most likely to be deficient. This is why the nutrient category involved is fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Carbohydrates and proteins can be malabsorbed as well in CF, but EFAD specifically tracks to fat malabsorption. Minerals are a separate area of absorption, not the primary driver of EFAD. Treating CF with pancreatic enzyme replacement and fat-soluble vitamin supplementation helps prevent EFAD.

Essential fatty acid deficiency arises when fat absorption is impaired. In cystic fibrosis, pancreatic insufficiency leads to poor fat digestion and absorption, so fats—and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K—are the nutrients most likely to be deficient. This is why the nutrient category involved is fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Carbohydrates and proteins can be malabsorbed as well in CF, but EFAD specifically tracks to fat malabsorption. Minerals are a separate area of absorption, not the primary driver of EFAD. Treating CF with pancreatic enzyme replacement and fat-soluble vitamin supplementation helps prevent EFAD.