Fat diet - low saturated
This document is part of the ACI Diet Specifications for Paediatric Inpatients. It is not to be used for patient education.
Aim
To provide a low saturated fat intake.
Characteristics
Reduced saturated fat and trans fatty acids, mono- and polyunsaturated fats and oils need to be higher to reach standard energy needs. For cholesterol-lowering diets, the intakes of soluble dietary fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, soy and nuts are increased, and foods high in salt are minimised. Simple sugars are reduced.
Desired composition
Saturated fat: <7% total energy
Total fat: 30% total energy
Indications
Patients with familial hyperlipidaemia.
Nutritional adequacy
Nutritionally adequate.
Precautions
Note that mono- and polyunsaturated fats and oils need to be added to the diet to ensure adequate energy intake and beneficial ratio saturated: unsaturated fats. Plant sterol margarine is not recommended for children.
Specific menu planning guidelines
| Allowed | Not allowed | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot main dishes | Main dishes ≤5g saturated fat per serve Lean meat, skinless chicken, fish, eggs Fish encouraged Soy products (e.g. TVP) Legumes and beans | Fatty meats (e.g. bacon, sausages) Fat on meat Skin on chicken Offal Deep fried foods Foods cooked in coconut milk |
| Sauces, gravies | Low fat sauces and gravies | Cream-based sauces |
| Starchy vegetables/pasta/rice | All raw, steamed or boiled Dressing of mono- or polyunsaturated oil Roasted in mono- or polyunsaturated oil | Fried/roasted vegetables with saturated fat such as butter, cooking margarine, palm oil or dripping Noodles high in fat |
| Vegetables | All raw, steamed or boiled Dressing of mono- or polyunsaturated oil Roasted in mono- or polyunsaturated oil Offer legumes/baked beans | Fried/roasted vegetables with saturated fat such as butter, cooking margarine, palm oil or dripping Vegetables served with cream- or cheese based sauces |
| Soups | Low fat soups ( ≤1.5g saturated fat per serve) | Soups made with cream or full-fat milk or coconut milk |
| Sandwiches | ≤ 5g saturated fat per serve Made with mono- or polyunsaturated | Butter Cheese High fat processed meats such as salami, devon, chicken loaf |
| Salads, dressings | ≤ 5g saturated fat per serve Mayonnaise and dressings made with mono or | Cream dressings |
| Breads, cereals | Wholegrain and wholemeal varieties preferred Rolled oats made on water or reduced fat milk | Commercial pastries, cakes and biscuits made with butter or partially hydrogenated oils |
| Spreads | Mono- or polyunsaturated margarines | Butter Margarines high in plant sterols and stanols |
| Hot breakfast choices | Boiled and scrambled eggs Mushrooms, baked beans, tomatoes | Fried eggs Bacon Hash browns |
| Fruit | Fresh/canned/dried fruits Juice (limit to 200mL per day) Avocado | Fruit cakes or pastries made with butter or partially hydrogenated oils |
| Yoghurt | Low fat yoghurts | Full-cream yoghurts |
| Desserts | Dessert with ≤1.5g saturated fat per serve Low fat ice-cream, custards and creamy rice Tapioca, sago | Full-fat ice-cream or custards Commercial cakes Cream |
| Milk and cheese | Low fat milk, skim milk Soy milk Low fat cottage cheese/ricotta | Full-cream milks Cream, sour cream Full-fat cheese (e.g. cheddar) |
| Beverages | Water Diet cordials (limit) Juice (limit to 200mL per day) | Full-fat milk |
| Biscuits | Plain low fat biscuits with ≤ 2g saturated fat per serve (e.g. Granita™, Shredded Wheatmeal™, Milk Coffee™, Milk Arrowroot™, water crackers, rice/corn cakes, crackers) Mono- or polyunsaturated spread on crackers as appropriate | Commercial biscuits made with butter or |
| Miscellaneous | Unsalted nuts (e.g. almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios) and seeds Herbs and spices | Salted peanuts and seeds Chocolate Plant sterols and stanols |
References
- Agency for Clinical Innovation. Nutrition standards for paediatric inpatients in NSW hospitals. Sydney 2011.
- Agency for Clinical Innovation. Nutrition standards for adult inpatients in NSW hospitals. Sydney 2011.
- Dietitians Association of Australia. 2009. Nutrition Manual 8th ed. Canberra: DAA.
- American Dietetic Association. Paediatric Nutrition Care Manual. Chicago: ADA.
- National Heart Foundation of Australia. 2023. Fats, oils and heart health.
- National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. Position Statement on Lipid Management – 2005. Heart Lung and Circulation 2005;14:275-291.
- Shaw V and Lawson M. 2007. Clinical Paediatric Dietetics. 3rd Edition. Blackwell Publishing.