Effect of an Antioxidant-rich Multivitamin Supplement in Cystic Fibrosis

Background: Despite supplementation with standard multivitamins and pancreatic enzymes, deficiencies of vitamins D and K and antioxidants are common in cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: In this non-randomized, open-label study, AquADEKs® softgels were given daily over 12 weeks to 14 CF subjects (mean age 15 years, range 10-23) without a preceding wash-out period. Both pancreatic sufficient and insufficient subjects were enrolled. Plasma vitamin and antioxidant levels, urine 8-isoprostane levels, anthropometric measures, and pulmonary function were determined at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks.

Results: Daily supplementation significantly increased plasma beta(β)-carotene, coenzyme Q10, and γ-tocopherol concentrations, decreased proteins induced in vitamin K absence (PIVKA-II) levels, but did not normalize vitamin D and K status in all subjects. Vitamin A levels did not exceed the normal range for any subject during the entire study period. Modest improvements in weight percentile and pulmonary function were observed. Change in plasma β-carotene concentrations weakly correlated with changes in weight and body mass index percentiles.

Conclusions: In this study, AquADEKs® increased systemic antioxidant levels, while maintaining vitamin A levels in the normal range, and improved but did not completely normalize vitamin D and K status. Increased β-carotene levels were associated with improved growth parameters. These results warrant further clinical evaluation in CF.