Protecting and Maintaining Bone Health

People with cystic fibrosis are at risk for two common bone diseases: osteoporosis (ostea-o-pour-o-sis) and osteopenia (ostea-o-pea-knee-a).

There are many reasons why people with cystic fibrosis get osteoporosis or osteopenia. It is important to remember that nutrition, lung disease and bone health are related. When people do not feel well, they eat less and they exercise less.

A high-calorie, nutrient-dense diet and exercise leads to healthy, strong bones for people with cystic fibrosis. Good nutrition also means taking vitamin and mineral supplements and sometimes medication.