Low fat diet < 20g day
This document is part of the ACI Diet Specifications for Adult Inpatients. It is not to be used for patient education.
Aim
To provide a very low-fat diet with no more than 20g total fat per day.
Characteristics
Very low in total fat but not necessarily low in saturated fat.
Suggested fat distribution by meal:
- Breakfast: 5g
- Morning tea: 0g
- Lunch: 7.5g
- Afternoon tea: 0g
- Dinner: 7.5g
- Supper: 0g
Indications
Diseases of the biliary tract and pancreas where there is fat intolerance, eg cholelithiasis; pancreatitis and chyle leaks (e.g. chylothorax).
Nutritional adequacy
This diet may not provide adequate energy, and intake of fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids may be compromised and should be assessed by a dietitian. Nutritional supplements (eg Resource® Fruit or Fortijuce®) may be required to meet energy and nutrient needs.
Precautions
Should not be used long term without dietetic advice. Not to be combined with high protein / energy diets, or renal diets.
Paediatrics
Suitable for use in paediatrics when combined with an age-appropriate diet.
Specific menu planning guidelines
| Allowed | Not allowed | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot main dishes | Main dishes ≤5g fat per serve Small serves lean meat, skinless chicken and fish Soy products, e.g. textured vegetable protein (TVP) Legumes Note: If no suitable choices are available on the menu, grilled fish and steamed chicken are appropriate to offer | Fatty meats (e.g. bacon, sausages), offal Deep-fried foods Foods cooked with white sauces or coconut milk |
| Sauces, gravies | Low-fat sauces and gravies (≤1g fat per serve) Tomato sauce | Cream-based or milk-based sauces |
| Starchy vegetables / pasta / rice | All raw, steamed or boiled (≤2g fat per serve) Potato mashed with water, not milk | Fried or roasted vegetables with fat, such as butter, cooking margarine or oil |
| Vegetables | All raw, steamed or boiled without added fat (≤2g fat per serve) | Fried or roasted vegetables with fat, such as butter, cooking margarine or oil Vegetables served with cream-based or cheese-based sauces |
| Soups | Clear broths only | All others |
| Sandwiches | None | Avocado |
| Salads, dressings | Salads ≤5g fat per serve 30g lean meat or 60g lean chicken or fish Cottage cheese Side salad vegetables Low-joule dressing or lemon wedge | Processed meats Bean or potato salad Other cheeses Olives, avocado Full-fat dressings, mayonnaise |
| Breads, cereals | All breads and rice cakes Other breakfast cereals (including rolled oats made with water | Mueslis Rolled oats made with milk Cereals with coconut or chocolate |
| Spreads | Jam, honey, Vegemite™ | Butter, margarine, peanut butter |
| Hot breakfast choices | Spaghetti, baked beans | All others |
| Fruit | Fresh, canned and dried fruits Juices | Avocado |
| Yoghurt | Fat-free (skim milk) yoghurts | Other yoghurts |
| Desserts | Desserts with ≤2g fat per serve Canned and fresh fruit Jelly | All others |
| Milk and cheese | Skim milk, Shape™ Low-fat soy milk Cottage and ricotta cheese | Full-cream milk, 2% fat milk Cream, sour cream All other cheeses |
| Beverages | Water, tea, coffee, cordial, juices, soft drinks | Milk drinks |
| Biscuits | Fat-free biscuits only (e.g. Gemfreez, rice crackers) | All others |
| Miscellaneous | Herbs and spices Sugar Low-fat nutritional supplements | Nuts and seeds Chocolate |
References
- American Dietetic Association. Nutrition care manual. Chicago: ADA; 2009, [accessed 17 March 2010].
- Mahon LK, Escott-Stump S. Krause’s food and nutrition therapy. 12th ed. St Louis: Saunders Elsevier; 2008.
- Smoke A, DeLegge MH. Chyle leaks: consensus on management? Nutr Clin Pract 2008;23:529-32.
- Shea, JC, Hoppner IK, Blanco PG, Freedman SD. Advances in nutritional management of chronic pancreatitis. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2000;2:323-6.
- Madden A. The role of low fat diets in the management of gall-bladder disease. J Hum Nutr Diet 1992;5:267-73.