Nutraceuticals in cystic fibrosis : a literature review

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, resulting in multisystem disease and reduced life expectancy. Although CFTR-modulating therapies have transformed disease outcomes, chronic inflammation, infection, and nutritional deficiencies continue to contribute significantly to morbidity. This literature review synthesises current knowledge of CF pathophysiology and management, with a particular focus on the emerging role of nutraceuticals as adjunctive therapies. Nutraceuticals including omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, glycine, probiotics, choline, and novel formulations such as ARINA-1 demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mucoregulatory properties that may complement standard treatment. While preliminary evidence is promising, further high-quality clinical trials are required to establish efficacy and define their role in routine CF care.