Comparison of the Nutritional Adequacy of Current Food-Based Very Low Energy Diets: A Review and Nutritional Analysis

Abstract

Very low energy diets (VLEDs) contain <800 kcal/day and typically comprise formulated meal replacement products with adequate protein and micronutrients. Food-based VLEDs are an alternative approach, but it is uncertain whether they can provide adequate nutrition within an 800 kcal/day restriction. This analysis aimed to assess the nutritional adequacy of food-based VLEDs compared with formula VLEDs. A systematized literature review was conducted to identify balanced food-based VLEDs by searching five scientific databases from inception to 23 March 2023 and online sources between 1 and 7 May 2023. Ultimately, nine diets were analyzed for nutritional content and compared with Codex Alimentarius standards for formula foods, and Australian estimated average requirement and adequate intake (AI) for adults 19–50 years. Optifast® was used as a comparator. None of the VLEDs met all nutritional benchmarks. Three food-based diets had nutrient profiles similar to formula VLEDs, with one being adequate for all nutrients except thiamine, magnesium and zinc in men and iron in women. All VLEDs, including Optifast®, did not meet AI for dietary fiber, except one. In general, food-based VLEDs offered more fiber than Optifast®. In conclusion, food-based VLEDs were inadequate in certain micronutrients but offered more dietary fiber than formula VLEDs. These nutritional deficits do not preclude food-based VLEDs from being recommended, provided they are addressed.