Manual of Clinical Nutrition Management B- 3 Copyright © 2013 Compass Group, Inc.
FULL LIQUID DIET
Description
The Full Liquid Diet consists of foods that are liquid at body temperature, including gels and frozen liquids. The
diet provides nourishment that is easy to consume and digest with very little stimulation to the gastrointestinal
tract.
Indications
The Full Liquid Diet may be indicated following oral surgery or plastic surgery of the face or neck area in the
presence of chewing or swallowing dysfunction for acutely ill patients.
The Full Liquid Diet has been traditionally used as a postoperative transitional diet. The diet is intended for
short-term use only; therefore, attempts are not usually made to increase the variety of foods offered to
provide for the total adequacy of nutrients.
Contraindications
Due to the liberal use of milk and foods made with milk, the diet is high in lactose. A temporary lactose
intolerance may occur in some patients following surgery. Symptoms of lactose intolerance upon ingestion of
a Full Liquid Diet may result, and the diet should be modified for the patient. See Section IH: Lactose-
Controlled Diet.
Nutritional Adequacy
The diet as served meets the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for ascorbic acid, vitamin D, vitamin B 12 ,
calcium, phosphorus, and riboflavin. It may not meet the protein and caloric requirements of the individual.
The diet as served will provide approximately 1200 kcal and 40 g of protein. When between-meal
nourishment is added, the intake is increased to 1500 to 1800 kcal and 65 g of protein. Protein and caloric
intake can be increased through the use of additional full liquid foods at meals and between meals. The diet
can be nutritionally adequate when supplements are offered and consumed in sufficient amounts.
How to Order the Diet
Order as “Full Liquid Diet.” Variations in this standard diet should be specifically ordered (eg, the exclusion of
certain foods or a diet limited to certain foods). A diet order specifying the duration of the diet or the diet
progression, as tolerated, will ensure that this nutritionally inadequate diet is advanced or evaluated.
FOOD GUIDE – FULL LIQUID DIET
FOODS ALLOWED FOODS EXCLUDED
Carbonated beverages, regular and decaffeinated coffee and tea, soft drinks, cocoa All solid foods
Cooked refined cereal, farina, cream of rice, or strained cereal
Custard, plain gelatin, ice cream, sherbet, pudding, yogurt, all without nuts;
fruit or preserves
Eggnog*, milk shake, and other milk drinks
Butter, margarine, cream
Fruit and vegetable juices (including one serving of citrus fruit juice daily)
Broth, bouillon, consommé, strained cream soup
Honey, sugar, syrup
*Made from pasteurized eggs only or commercial product.SAMPLE MENU
Breakfast Noon Evening
Orange Juice
Cream of Wheat
Milk
Coffee or Tea
SugarStrained Cream of Chicken Soup
Grape Juice
Vanilla Ice Cream
Milk
Coffee or Tea
SugarStrained Cream of Celery Soup
Apple Juice
Custard
Milk
Coffee or Tea
Sugar