What foods are recommended for a low residue low fiber (LRLF) diet?

Low Residue Low Fiber (LRLF) Diet Recommendations

A low residue low fiber diet typically contains less than 10g of fiber per day and is primarily indicated for colonoscopy preparation to achieve better colon cleansing and reduce patient discomfort. 1, 2

Definition and Terminology

• The terms "low residue" and "low fiber" are used interchangeably in clinical practice, though they technically refer to different concepts 2
• A low-fiber diet is quantitatively defined as containing a maximum of 10g of fiber per day 1, 2
• Residue refers to any indigestible food substance that remains in the intestinal tract and contributes to stool bulk 3

Foods Recommended for LRLF Diet

Grains and Cereals

• White bread, white rice, and refined pasta (not whole grain) 1
• Low-fiber cereals such as Rice Krispies and corn flakes 1
• White flour products like pancakes and waffles 1
• Avoid whole grains, granola, and high-fiber cereals 1

Proteins

• Lean meats including chicken breast, lean beef, fish, and eggs 1
• Smooth nut butters in small amounts 1
• Avoid nuts, seeds, and legumes 3

Dairy

• Milk, plain or flavored yogurt without fruit pieces 1
• Cheese and ice cream 1
• Creamed rice/rice pudding 1

Fruits and Vegetables

• Fruit juices without pulp 1
• Well-cooked vegetables without seeds or skins 1
• Avoid raw vegetables, vegetable skins, and fruits with seeds 1
• Remove skins from fruits and vegetables when consumed 1

Other Foods

• Jello/gelatin desserts 1
• Sports drinks 1
• Honey, syrup, and sugar 1
• Ice cream and dairy desserts 1

Clinical Applications

Colonoscopy Preparation

• A low fiber diet is recommended the day before colonoscopy to achieve better colon cleansing 1, 4
• Compared to clear liquid diets, LRLF diets show:
  • Similar efficacy in bowel preparation 4
  • Better patient tolerability 1, 4
  • Fewer adverse effects 4

Other Potential Applications

• May be beneficial after elective colorectal surgery (day one postoperatively) to reduce nausea, speed return of bowel function, and shorten hospital stay 1
• May help manage symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome such as abdominal pain, cramps, and distension 1
• Used in sports nutrition for athletes before high-intensity training to reduce gastrointestinal complaints 1
• Used in weight division sports as part of weight management strategies 1

Important Considerations

• LRLF diets are not recommended long-term as they lack essential nutrients and adequate fiber for overall health 1
• There is insufficient evidence to recommend LRLF diets for management of diverticulitis, acute colitis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis 1
• The traditional recommendation of LRLF diets for diverticulosis (to avoid nuts, seeds, corn, popcorn) is not supported by evidence 3
• Long-term fiber restriction may negatively impact gut microbiome diversity 1
• LRLF diets should be considered a specialized nutrition strategy for specific clinical scenarios rather than a general dietary recommendation 1

Sample LRLF Menu

Breakfast

• White bread toast or pancakes with syrup 1
• Rice Krispies or corn flakes with milk 1
• Pulp-free fruit juice 1

Lunch

• White bread sandwich with lean meat and cheese (no vegetables) 1
• Flavored yogurt (no fruit pieces) 1
• Pulp-free juice 1

Dinner

• White pasta with lean meat sauce (no vegetable pieces) 1
• White rice with lean protein 1
• Ice cream for dessert 1

Snacks

• Jello/gelatin desserts 1
• Sports drinks 1
• Rice pudding 1