Allergies & intolerances

Allergies

You can still follow the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ Program if you have allergies or intolerances. It is just a matter of working out with the guidance of your healthcare professional which OPTIFAST® VLCD™ product will suit you best. Different products in the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ range have different allergens present. This table lists the allergens present in each of the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ products, to allow you to choose the most appropriate choice.

All the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ products contain some quantity of lactose. Most people with lactose malabsorption or lactose intolerance can tolerate up to 7 grams of lactose at one time. As it can be individual it may be a matter of trial and error to see what products you can manage. The table below highlights the lactose content of each of the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ products.

The OPTIFAST® VLCD™ product range contains variable amounts of fructose therefore, for individuals with fructose malabsorption; it can be a matter of trial and error to work out which products are better tolerated. It is important to note that glucose enhances the absorption of fructose by the principle that one molecule of glucose enables absorption of one molecule of fructose, so, for example, fructose from table sugar (50% fructose, 50% glucose) is generally well absorbed even in persons with fructose malabsorption. Therefore the greater the glucose-to-fructose ratio in the food, the easier the fructose will be absorbed. The table below lists both the Fructose content and the glucose: fructose ratio of the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ products. Based on this, the Caramel Flavour Shake and all varieties of soups have the lowest fructose levels. In addition the Berry Crunch and Cappuccino Bars tend to have a favourable glucose: fructose ratio also making them good choices.

FODMAPs refer to Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols. Research shows that reducing the intake of these sugars in the diet can improve symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This group of sugars include fructose, lactose, fructans, galactans and polyols.

In individuals with IBS or other gut disorders these sugars are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and therefore travel to the large intestine where they are fermented by bacteria that are naturally present. This process can cause symptoms such as gas (wind), pain, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. The table below highlights the OPTIFAST® VLCD™ product ingredients that may contribute to the FODMAP load. Please speak to your healthcare professional or an Accredited Practising Dietitian for advice on which products would be suitable for you.