Goal: To keep plasma triglyceride concentrations < 2,000 mg/dL and to minimize chylomicronemia.
Dietary restrictions:
(1) Dietary fat intake should be restricted to < 20 grams per day or < 15% of total energy intake (with fat providing 9 kcal per gram).
(2) Fish oil supplements are contraindicated.
(3) Use medium-chain triglycerides for cooking (these are not incorporated into chylomicrons).
(4) Avoid parenteral nutrition using a lipid emulsion or containing excess calories during an episode of acute pancreatitis.
Clinical findings suggesting inadequate dietary restrictions:
(1) continued symptoms
(2) a plasma trigylceride > 2,000 mg/dL
(3) recurrent or persistent eruptive xanthomas
(4) persistent hepatosplenomegaly
