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![]() Low Fat Diet A low Fat Diet is recommended in the treatment of gallbladder disease in which dietary fat may cause painful gallbladder contraction during the secretion of bile. It is also recommended in the treatment of pancreatic or biliary tract disease in which fat malabsorption and steatorrhea may occur, secondary to reduced lipase secretion. General Instructions: The recommended dietary intake of fat for the treatment of gallbladder and biliary tract disease has never been scientifically determined. However, it appears that most patients tolerate 40-50 grams of fat/day. Total fat intake may be specified in the diet prescription. Unless otherwise specified, fat intake is limited to 40-50 grams/day, as tolerated by the patient. For patients who have severe fat malabsorption or who cannot obtain adequate kilocalories on 50 grams of fat/day, supplementation with medium chain triglycerides (MCT) is highly recommended. MCT oil does not require bile for emulsification or lipase for enzymatic digestion. Intolerance of certain strongly flavored vegetables, legumes, melons and berries occurs in many patients with gallbladder disease; the reason for this is not known. Typically, most persons with gallbladder disease are overweight and should be given a kilocalorie restricted diet. Although the chief component of gallstones is cholesterol, dietary restriction of cholesterol is probably not very effective in the prevention of gallstone formation. Fat digestion appears to be unimpaired following a cholecystectomy. Patients who have undergone cholecystectomies should be able to follow a diet of normal composition soon after surgery without any digestive difficulties. The Low Fat Diet is planned to meet the Recommended Daily Dietary Allowance for all nutrients.
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