When should a child with Cystic Fibrosis take pancreatin/viokase/pancreas?

A child with Cystic Fibrosis should take pancreatin/viokase/pancreas with meals to increase food absorption. This is essential because individuals with Cystic Fibrosis often suffer from pancreatic insufficiency, which means their bodies cannot adequately produce the digestive enzymes needed to break down food properly. Administering pancreatin with meals provides the necessary enzymes to help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates effectively, thereby enhancing nutritional absorption during the meal.

Taking these enzymes with food helps to optimize the digestive process, allowing the child to assimilate nutrients more effectively, which is crucial for growth and overall health. In contrast, taking the enzymes before or after meals may not align with the timing of food intake and could lead to suboptimal digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, the idea of using it on an empty stomach goes against the purpose of these enzymes. They are designed to aid the digestion of food rather than to function without it.