Supplement
|
Description
|
Therapy Implications
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Azithromycin
|
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It works against the "slime" that PA covers itself with to protect itself. AZM is an anti-inflammatory compound too, and a regulator of intracellular Ca concentration, and a thinner of sputum. Synergistic effect with "classic" antibiotics used in CF.
|
People take 250 mg of AZM once a day, 2-3 times a week.
|
|||
Selenium
|
Selenium is an essential trace element involved in the redox cycle of GSH.
|
People take between 55-70 µg of Se per day.
|
|||
Glutathione
|
GSH is a powerful antioxidant pervasive throughout the body that is significantly reduced in people with CF because it is not transported by the CFTR. It's highest concentration in the body is in the lungs. One of it's largest roles is breaking down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a potent oxidant, into water.
|
Can be used in an oral form
|
|||
DHA
|
Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that is deficient in CF cells.
|
20mg/per kilo/per day
|
|||
Beta Carotene
|
Good source of vitamin A and has the ability to release it when the body needs it.
|
6mg per day.
|
|||
Magnesium
|
1) Macrolide antibiotics (i.e., azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin) deplete magnesium (Mg).
Nearly every med prescribed for CF depletes Mg, which further lowers body pH, including lowering pH of the lungs making them more acidic. Many bacteria, fungus and cancer thrive in an acidic environment. 2) Mg inhibits antibiotic efficacy. You can't take Mg and certain antibiotics *together* because they compete for the same receptor site on the cell membrane, and magnesium will win, cutting antibiotic efficacy. So, You must follow this rule of thumb: |
5 to 10 mg/per kilo/per day
Mg does have contraindications with antibiotics so do not take Mg for at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics. Basic rules when taking Mg: - Split the daily dossage into small portions - i.e do not take all the Mg at once. Split between breakfst, lunch, dinner. - The last Mg intake should not be after 5pm. - If you are taking Mg Albion chelate do not take more than 300-400mg at once. - Start with smaller dossages and gradually increase. |
|||
Taurine
|
Taurine is an amino acid that has come to our attention in the past couple of years. Though this supplement has been studied and found to be a viable therapy for malabsorption, it has not been widely acknowledged within the medical community. Studies dating back to the 80's proved that supplementing with taurine increased the absorption of fatty meals that would lead to weight gain and help to correct the deficiencies that can occur during malabsoption.
As we have seen in the DHA studies, keeping the proper balance of essential fatty acids (EFA's) is paramount and taurine deficiency contributes to that imbalance. Increased protein breakdown has been cited as an important cause of nutrient loss in cystic fibrosis. Taurine deficiency, which is common in CF, may contribute to the increased breakdown. This antioxidant appears to have a stabilizing effect on cell membranes and by helping to maintain the strength and integrity of these membranes taurine protects cells from abnormal calcium ion or water entry. Taurine helps generate nerve impulses by the aiding the movement of calcium, magnesium and potassium, sodium in and out of cells. |
The recommended dose is 30mg per kg body weight a day.
|
|||