What dietary recommendation is appropriate for the guardian of a school-age child with cystic fibrosis?

For a school-age child with cystic fibrosis, offering high-protein meals and snacks is essential due to the increased energy needs associated with the disease. Cystic fibrosis often leads to difficulty in absorbing nutrients, particularly fats and proteins, due to pancreatic insufficiency, which requires children to consume more calories than their peers to maintain a healthy weight and support normal growth and development.

High-protein meals and snacks are crucial because they help in providing the necessary amino acids for muscle growth and repair, which is vital for children with cystic fibrosis who may be more susceptible to respiratory infections and overall physical stress. Additionally, maintaining a higher caloric intake through protein and other nutrients is important for these children to offset the extra energy requirements caused by the disease's impact on their metabolism and overall health.

A dietary strategy concentrating on high-protein content ensures that the child receives adequate nutrition to support growth and manage the symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis effectively.