ey Goals of Nutritional Therapy Prevent fasting-induced hypoglycemia Avoid reliance on long-chain fat metabolism Provide safe alternative energy sources Support normal growth and physical activity Reduce the risk of rhabdomyolysis & metabolic decompensation 1. Frequent Meals & Avoiding Fasting People with LCAD cannot efficiently use fat stores during fasting, so the blood sugar can drop quickly. Recommendations Eat regular meals and snacks every 2–3 hours during the day. Never skip meals. Infants may need night feeds, or continuous overnight feeding. During illness, consider higher-carb intake or emergency regimen to prevent catabolism. 2. High-Carbohydrate, Moderate-Protein Diet Why? Carbohydrates provide the safest and easiest fuel source. Protein supports growth and prevents muscle breakdown. Examples Rice, yam, potatoes, pasta, bread Cereals, oats, porridge Fruits (banana, mango, apple) Moderate protein: fish, eggs, chicken, beans Avoid high-fat options unless prescribed. **3. Low Long-Chain Fat Diet People with LCAD cannot process long-chain fatty acids efficiently. Foods to reduce or avoid Fatty meats (pork, mutton, skin-on chicken) Full-fat milk, cheese, butter Creamy soups/sauces Deep-fried foods Pastries high in butter/oils Palm oil, groundnut oil (use minimal amounts) 4. Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Supplementation MCT oil provides rapid, usable energy because it bypasses the blocked LCAD pathway. Possible forms: MCT oil mixed into foods Specialized medical formulas (MCT-based) Benefits Prevents muscle breakdown Supports exercise tolerance Provides safe energy during fasting or illness Note: Must be used under the guidance of a metabolic specialist. 5. Essential Fatty Acids Supplementation Because long-chain fats are restricted, patients may miss key fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. Sources (controlled amounts): Fortified formulas Prescribed DHA/EPA supplements 6. Emergency (“Sick Day”) Nutrition Plan During infections, vomiting, or surgery: Increase carbohydrate intake (glucose drinks, oral rehydration, juices) Avoid long fasting Hospital glucose drip may be needed Stop physical exertion completely 7. Exercise Guidance Physical activity is allowed when well-fed, but: Avoid prolonged, strenuous exercise Carbohydrate-rich snack before activity Stop immediately if muscle pain or fatigue occurs Sample Daily LCAD-Friendly Meal Plan Breakfast Oats + banana + small amount of low-fat milk Bread with jam Snack Fruit juice or biscuits Lunch Rice with lean chicken Steamed vegetables (no added oil) Snack Crackers + fruit Dinner Pasta with tomato sauce Beans or grilled fish (no frying) Optional Doctor-prescribed MCT added in small measured amounts to meals. Conclusion Nutritional management of LCAD focuses on: High carbs, controlled fats Avoiding fasting Safe fat replacement with MCT Protection during illness Maintaining stable energy levels With consistent dietary planning, individuals with LCAD can live healthy, active lives while minimizing metabolic risks.

Disclaimer & Credit: All medical articles including ours, are informative and provide population trends not specific to individuals which can be very different. Always seek personalized medical advice from your doctor for individual healthcare decisions.

Posted December 4, 2025