researchers have investigated gastric lipase to digest lipids. Unlike pancreatic enzyme products, gastric lipase has a high activity in acidic pH. In fact, gastric lipase takes care of 90% of lipid digestion in the upper small intestine in cystic fibrosis patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Overall, large gains have been made in improving treatment of digestive issues in patients with cystic fibrosis. On the horizon of treatments is n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation. PUFA is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, allowing it to address the issues of inflammation and small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Additionally, identifying cystic fibrosis biomarkers–or abnormalities common to patients with cystic fibrosis–may help properly diagnose patients and even determine the response of patients to certain treatments.
