Very low energy diets (VLED)

Very low energy diets (VLED) are food for special medical purposes specially formulated for the dietary management of overweight and obesity. VLED are total diet replacements that can be used as the sole source of nutrition for up to 12 weeks.  

They are to be used under the supervision of a medical practitioner and dietitian.

Standard 2.9.5 of the Food Standards Code regulates the composition, labelling and sale of food for special medical purposes, including VLED. 

The label of a VLED is required to carry the following statements: 

• name or description (e.g. ‘Very Low Energy Diet’’ or ‘Very Low Calorie Diet’) 
• the food must be used under medical supervision 
• the medical purpose of the food (e.g ‘for the dietary management of overweight and obesity’) 
• the food is suitable for use as a sole source of nutrition (e.g ‘nutritionally complete program’) 
• it is important to maintain adequate daily fluid intake while using the food  
• the food is not recommended for pregnant, nursing, or lactating women or use by infants, children, adolescents and elderly, other than under medical supervision 

The label must also provide certain information which is required on most packaged foods, for example, an ingredient list, date marking, and the mandatory declaration of allergens.

VLED are required to contain (based on an average of three VLED per day):  

• an energy range of 627 – 1115 kJ per serve 
• no less than 16.7 g protein per serve 
• no less than 16.7 g carbohydrate per serve 
• specified vitamins and minerals.