Religious & Therapeutic Diets

Question 1

What are the key dietary restrictions for individuals following a Halal diet?

Answer 1

Avoid all pork products, alcohol, and animal fats except butter.

Only Halal meats are permissible.

Avoid gelatine unless Halal-certified.

Question 2

What are the main characteristics of a Kosher diet?

Answer 2

Avoids pork and non-kosher meat.

May require strict separation of meat and milk products.

Kosher food must be prepared using kosher utensils/facilities (if strict).

If in hospital, can be pardoned of observance

Can be acceptable to people of Islamic faith.

Question 3

What are common dietary considerations for Buddhists?

Answer 3

Typically vegetarian.
Monks may observe fasting rituals.

Question 4

What are dietary restrictions commonly observed in Hinduism?

Answer 4

Avoid beef
Meat and fish are restricted.
No alcohol consumption.
Observance of fasting practices.

Question 5

What are the dietary restrictions observed by Mormons?

Answer 5

Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Practice fasting on specific occasions.

Question 6

What foods are included and excluded in the Paleo diet?

Answer 6

Included: Whole, unprocessed foods (meat, veg, fruit, nuts, seeds, tubers).

Excluded: Grains, legumes, dairy, processed foods.

Additional focuses: healthy lifestyle - exercise, sleep, stress reduction

Consideration: Low in sugar, CHO, and calcium.

Question 7

What is the macronutrient composition of the ketogenic diet?

Answer 7

Fat: 70–80% of total energy intake.
Protein: Moderate.
Carbs: Very low (20–50 g/day).

Avoids grains, legumes, fruits, and starchy vegetables.

Considerations: very low in CHO, high saturated fat intake, useful in certain medical conditions

Question 8

What are key considerations for individuals following a vegan diet?

Answer 8

Eliminates all animal-derived foods (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, honey).

Fortified foods or supplements may be necessary for B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Question 9

What does a vegetarian diet exclude, and what are its nutritional considerations?

Answer 9

Excluded: Meat, poultry, fish, gelatine.

Considerations: May require fortified foods or supplements for iron and zinc.

Question 10

What are the features and risks of a macrobiotic diet?

Answer 10

Focus: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and plant-based foods.

Excluded: Meat, dairy, refined sugars, poultry, eggs.

Risks: Potential deficiencies in protein, B12, iron, magnesium, calcium, omega-3, and vitamin D.

Question 11

When is a low microbial diet indicated, and what does it limit?

Answer 11

Indicated For: Neutropenia (<1000 neutrophils) and severe immunosuppression (e.g., post-transplant, cancer treatments).

Limits: High-risk foods for foodborne illness.

Question 12

When is a Nil-by-Mouth diet indicated, and what does it entail?

Answer 12

Indications: Dysphagia, undergoing general anesthesia or GI surgery, GI perforations.

Restrictions: No food, fluids, water jugs, ONS, or mid-meals.

Note: Contact dietitian if used for more than 2 days

Question 13

What nutrients are of concern in a Paleo diet, and why?

Answer 13

Fiber (limited grains/legumes), calcium (restricted dairy), and vitamin D (low dairy intake).

Question 14

Which foods are avoided in the Paleo diet?

Answer 14

Grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods

Question 15

What are the key nutrients of concern for vegetarians?

Answer 15

Iron (non-heme is less absorbable), vitamin B12 (found in animal products), and protein (ensure adequate plant-based sources).

Question 16

Which foods are excluded in a vegetarian diet?

Answer 16

Meat, fish, and poultry.

Question 17

What nutrients must vegans pay special attention to?

Answer 17

Vitamin B12, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Question 18

Which foods are entirely excluded in a vegan diet?

Answer 18

All animal products.

Question 19

What nutrients may be deficient in a macrobiotic diet?

Answer 19

Vitamin B12 & calcium

Question 20

What are common food restrictions in the macrobiotic diet?

Answer 20

Limited animal products, dairy & some plant foods

Question 21

What foods are avoided in a Halal diet, and why?

Answer 21

Pork and its by-products; meat must be slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws.

Question 22

Are there specific nutrient concerns in a Halal diet?

Answer 22

None specific to the diet, aside from adherence to dietary laws

Question 23

What foods are prohibited in a Kosher diet?

Answer 23

Pork, shellfish, and any mixing of meat and dairy.

Question 24

Are there any nutrient concerns unique to a Kosher diet?

Answer 24

None specific to the diet; it’s about adherence to Jewish dietary laws.

Question 25

What are the hallmark foods of the Mediterranean diet?

Answer 25

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil.

Question 26

Are there any particular nutrient concerns in the Mediterranean diet?

Answer 26

None; it’s considered a well-balanced diet.

Question 27

What nutrients are critical during pregnancy, and why?

Answer 27

Folate (neural tube development), iron (increased blood volume), and calcium (fetal bone development).

Question 28

What foods should pregnant women avoid?

Answer 28

Raw seafood, high-mercury fish, and excessive caffeine.

Question 29

Why is calcium particularly important during teenage years?

Answer 29

It supports critical bone development during rapid growth.

Question 30

hat other nutrients are important for teenagers?

Answer 30

Iron (rapid growth increases needs) and vitamin D (bone health).

Question 31

What nutrients become critical for an exclusively breastfed child after 6 months?

Answer 31

Vitamin D (if maternal levels are low) and iron (stores deplete after 6 months).

Question 32

How can a breastfeeding mother ensure her baby gets adequate nutrients?

Answer 32

By maintaining a nutrient-dense diet that passes essential nutrients through breast milk.