Cited by 125Lipid metabolism and disordersLymphatic Disorders and TreatmentsClinical Nutrition and Gastroenterology

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 60 of the 62 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 79 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome: Bringing to life dietary recommendations throughout the life span

Open access

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with loss of function mutations of lipoprotein lipase resulting in hypertriglyceridemia and accumulation of chylomicrons in plasma, often leading to acute pancreatitis. The mainstay of treatment is a specialized very-low-fat diet. Even adhering to the diet, some patients may experience high triglycerides and pancreatitis. There currently are no comprehensive dietary guidelines. OBJECTIVE: To report best practices and develop comprehensive dietary guidelines for nutrition therapy in patients with FCS. METHODS: Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) convened to develop this report based on experience treating patients with FCS and a review of current literature on the topic. One author provided a patient perspective of living with FCS. RESULTS: This report provides guidelines and rationales for nutrition therapy associated with FCS across the life span. The top global guidelines are to (1) limit fat to <15 to 20 g per day (<10%-15% of total daily energy intake); (2) meet recommendations for essential fatty acids: α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid; (3) choose complex carbohydrate foods while limiting simple and refined carbohydrate foods; (4) supplement with fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and medium-chain triglyceride oil, as needed; (5) adjust calories for weight management. Recommended foods include vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean protein foods, fruits in limited amounts, and fat-free milk products without added sugars. Foods to avoid include alcohol and products high in sugar. CONCLUSIONS: These patient-centered nutrition guidelines provide guidance to help patients adhere to the recommended diet and optimize nutritional needs.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This expert-panel article provides patient-centered, lifespan dietary guidelines for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), centered on a very-low-fat diet and multidisciplinary care. It synthesizes literature and clinical experience because no randomized trials exist for this rare disorder.

Key findings

  • The panel recommends a very-low-fat diet of less than 15–20 g fat per day or less than 10%–15% of total daily calories, with fat distributed throughout the day; the target is to maintain triglycerides below 1000 mg/dL, and below 500 mg/dL during pregnancy.
  • Patients should meet essential fatty acid needs at 2%–4% of daily calories, may use medium-chain triglyceride oil to add calories, limit total carbohydrate to no more than 60% of daily calories, avoid added sugars and alcohol, and monitor/supplement fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K as needed.
  • FCS affects 1 to 2 per million people; triglyceride levels may range from 1500 to 15,000 mg/dL or higher, acute pancreatitis was reported by 42% of patients with FCS, and acute pancreatitis risk increases by 4% for every 100 mg/dL rise in triglycerides.
  • Patients report visiting at least 5 physicians (range 1–30) before diagnosis; psychosocial burden includes 22% reporting depressive episodes and only 22% able to sustain full-time employment in an interim analysis.

Methods

  • Design: expert-panel best-practice guidelines developed by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) with experience treating FCS, incorporating the perspective of one patient with FCS.
  • Data/sample: review of current clinical and scientific literature plus personal clinical experience; no randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses were available because of the rarity of FCS.
  • Analysis: consensus recommendations organized across the life span and special populations, including pediatrics, pregnancy, diabetes, acute pancreatitis, and chronic pancreatitis.

Limitations

  • Stated: the guidelines are based on a literature review and expert opinion of RDNs; owing to low FCS prevalence, there are no randomized controlled clinical trials or robust data sets, so recommendations rest on limited observations and clinical experience.
  • Evident from the text: no formal systematic review or prospective validation is described; the patient perspective comes from a single patient; some recommendations are generalized from hypertriglyceridemia rather than FCS-specific (e.g., physical activity); and the work was funded by Akcea Therapeutics, including writing support.

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Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.jacl.2018.04.010

Cites

60 of 60 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

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Verification

Claims the paper makes

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Show all 29 claims

  • It may state two separate claims as one. 19
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 17
33 of 33
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    FCS is characterized by severe fasting hypertriglyceridemia due to a deficiency in either the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL) or other proteins necessary for proper LPL function.

    “FCS is characterized by severe fasting hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) due to a deficiency in either the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL) or other proteins necessary for proper LPL function.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In FCS, HTG results from the inability to metabolize TGs and other fats.

    “In FCS, HTG results from the inability to metabolize TGs and other fats.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Fats are absorbed through the small intestine, where chylomicrons are formed.

    “Fats are absorbed through the small intestine, where chylomicrons are formed.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Although TGs are also metabolized via the LPL-independent pathway, this pathway cannot compensate for the loss of LPL function.

    “Although TGs are also metabolized via the LPL-independent pathway, this pathway cannot compensate for the loss of LPL function.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In FCS, chylomicrons, chylomicron remnants, and TG-rich lipoproteins cannot be metabolized and accumulate in the plasma.

    “In FCS, chylomicrons, chylomicron remnants, and TGrich lipoproteins cannot be metabolized and accumulate in the plasma.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Acute pancreatitis is one of the severe, debilitating symptoms of FCS.

    “Acute pancreatitis is one of the severe, debilitating symptoms of FCS.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Current medical nutrition therapy for FCS is a very-low-fat diet consisting of total fat intake <10% to 15% daily calories (ie, <15-20 g of fat per day) with limited simple, refined carbohydrates and avoidance of alcohol.

    “Because patients with FCS cannot metabolize TGs and fats, current medical nutrition therapy is a very-low-fat diet consisting of total fat intake ,10% to 15% daily calories (ie, ,15-20 g of fat per day) with limited simple, refined carbohydrates and avoidance of alcohol.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    At the present time, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for FCS.

    “At the present time, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for FCS.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Short-term ingestion of dietary fat, and even limited alcohol consumption, can result in highly exaggerated TG elevations that place patients at high risk for acute pancreatitis, despite otherwise good adherence with the diet.

    “Short-term ingestion of dietary fat, and even limited alcohol consumption, can result in highly exaggerated TG elevations that place patients at high risk for acute pancreatitis, despite otherwise good adherence with the diet.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    FCS is diagnosed as severe, refractory HTG in people with a history of acute pancreatitis or recurrent abdominal pain and the absence of other causes (alcoholism, gallstones, uncontrolled diabetes, medications, or medical conditions known to cause HTG).

    “FCS is diagnosed as severe, refractory HTG in people with a history of acute pancreatitis or recurrent abdominal pain and the absence of other causes (alcoholism, gallstones, uncontrolled diabetes, medications, or medical conditions known to cause HTG).”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The most distinctive clinical feature of FCS is fasting hyperchylomicronemia, which results in lipemic, milky-appearing plasma samples.

    “The most distinctive clinical feature of FCS is fasting hyperchylomicronemia, which results in lipemic, milkyappearing plasma samples.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There are no randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses, in part due to rareness of the condition.

    “There are also no randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses, in part due to rareness of the condition.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    HTG increases the severity of acute pancreatitis.

    “HTG increases the severity of acute pancreatitis.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A nutrition facts label may be rounded and not indicate the absolute amount of fat in foods.

    “It is important to note that a nutrition facts label may be rounded and not indicate the absolute amount of fat in foods.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    An individual's recommended fat intake varies based on age and caloric needs, and may need to be modified during pregnancy and for special populations (eg, diabetes).

    “An individual's recommended fat intake varies based on age and caloric needs, and may need to be modified during pregnancy and for special populations (eg, diabetes) as is discussed later in this article.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The body can produce all fatty acids except the EFAs, LA, an omega-6 fatty acid, and ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid.

    “The body can produce all fatty acids except the EFAs, LA, an omega-6 fatty acid, and ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    As EFAs, LA and ALA must be ingested by individuals of all ages.

    “As EFAs, LA, and ALA must be ingested by individuals of all ages.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Data is limited in humans regarding the minimum requirements of LA and ALA.

    “Data is limited in humans regarding the minimum requirements of LA and ALA.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Over-the-counter omega-3 or fish oil supplements are not recommended due to lack of regulation by the Food and Drug Administration and lower concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in over-the-counter supplements vs prescription.

    “It is important to note that over-the-counter omega-3 or fish oil supplements are not recommended due to lack of regulation by the Food and Drug Administration and lower concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in over-thecounter supplements vs prescription.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    MCT oil is a medical food available via prescription and should not be confused with coconut oil, which provides additional long-chain triglyceride (LCT) as well as lauric acid (C12).

    “MCT oil is a medical food available via prescription and should not be confused with coconut oil, which provides additional long-chain triglyceride (LCT) as well as lauric acid (C12).”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Much of lauric acid is absorbed via the chylomicron-dependent pathway.

    “It is important to note that much of lauric acid is absorbed via the chylomicron-dependent pathway.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Coconut oil has both medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids, whereas medical grade MCT oil contains only medium-chain fatty acids (ie, C8 and C10).

    “Coconut oil has both medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids, whereas medical grade MCT oil contains only medium-chain fatty acids (ie, C8 and C10).”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    MCT oils sold over the counter may also contain lauric acid and are not recommended for consumption by patients with FCS.

    “MCT oils sold over the counter may also contain lauric acid and are not recommended for consumption by patients with FCS.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Low-fat or fat-free, protein-rich foods allow individuals to meet their specific protein requirements while maintaining overall recommended fat restriction.

    “Low-fat or fat-free, protein-rich foods allow individuals to meet their specific protein requirements while maintaining overall recommended fat restriction.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Protein-rich foods high in unsaturated fat, such as salmon, nuts, and seeds, would not be appropriate in the recommended diet as long-chain saturated fat, trans fat, and unsaturated fat are all metabolized using the LPL-dependent pathway.

    “It is important to note that protein-rich foods high in unsaturated fat, such as salmon, nuts, and seeds, would not be appropriate in the recommended diet as long-chain saturated fat, transfat, and unsaturated fat are all metabolized using the LPL-dependent pathway.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Alcohol interferes with normal TG metabolism and promotes the accumulation of fat in the liver, which subsequently leads to increase in blood chylomicron levels and HTG.

    “Alcohol interferes with normal TG metabolism and promotes the accumulation of fat in the liver, which subsequently leads to increase in blood chylomicron levels and HTG.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Individuals with FCS must maintain adequate fluid intake to assist in maintaining hydration and proper pancreatic function.

    “Individuals with FCS must maintain adequate fluid intake to assist in maintaining hydration and proper pancreatic function.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Water intake is necessary for digestion.

    “Water intake is necessary for digestion.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Patients with FCS have a higher risk of complications, especially acute pancreatitis during pregnancy.

    “Patients with FCS have a higher risk of complications, especially acute pancreatitis during pregnancy.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    This patient population is at risk for malabsorption and impaired insulin and glucagon secretion due to loss of exocrine and endocrine function.

    “This patient population is at risk for malabsorption and impaired insulin and glucagon secretion due to loss of exocrine and endocrine function.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Patients with pancreatogenic diabetes have impaired metabolism of fats, which may result in deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin D.

    “Patients with pancreatogenic diabetes have impaired metabolism of fats, which may result in deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin D.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Glycemic control is an important part of TG reduction, as well as prevention of diabetes-related complications.

    “Glycemic control is an important part of TG reduction, as well as prevention of diabetes-related complications.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Recurrent acute pancreatitis from persistently elevated TGs increases the risk of chronic pancreatitis due to irreversible damage to the pancreas.

    “Recurrent acute pancreatitis from persistently elevated TGs increases the risk of chronic pancreatitis due to irreversible damage to the pancreas.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Patients exhibiting gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, gas, bloating, and unexplained weight loss may be at risk for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

    “Patients exhibiting gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, gas, bloating, and unexplained weight loss may be at risk for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    At this time, the percentage of patients with FCS who develop EPI and chronic pancreatitis is unknown.

    “At this time, the percentage of patients with FCS who develop EPI and chronic pancreatitis is unknown.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Diet and lifestyle are the mainstays of FCS management to decrease TG levels and reduce the likelihood of pancreatitis.

    “Diet and lifestyle are the mainstays of FCS management to decrease TG levels and reduce the likelihood of pancreatitis.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Even with strict diet adherence, some patients still experience acute pancreatitis, elevated TGs, and other complications, and struggle with daily discomfort.

    “Even with strict diet adherence, some patients still experience acute pancreatitis, elevated TGs, and other complications, and struggle with daily discomfort.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    TGs below 2000 mg/dL may prevent pain in some patients with FCS.

    “TGs below 2000 mg/dL may prevent pain in some patients, and maintenance of TGs below 1000 mg/dL is the target for patients with FCS.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The very-low-fat diet is essential for FCS.

    “These guidelines are intended to help RDNs, clinicians, patients with FCS, their families, and caregivers manage the very-low-fat dietary pattern essential for FCS.”
39 of 39

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. McCray, 2011, Nutritional management of chyle leaks: an update, Pract Gastroenterol, 35, 12
  2. Tenner, 2013, American College of Gastroenterology Guideline: Management of Acute Pancreatitis, Am J Gastroenterol, 22, 433

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Items 101–124 of 124

Metadata

Authors
Williams, L., Rhodes, K. S., Karmally, W., Welstead, L. A., Alexander, L., & Sutton, L.
Affiliations
  • Cook Children's Medical Center (US)
  • Michigan Medicine (US)
  • Columbia University (US)
  • University of Chicago (US)
  • Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research (US)
Corresponding author
Williams, Lauren
Venue
Journal of Clinical Lipidology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2018-07
Volume
12
Issue
4
Pages
908-919
ISSN
  • 1876-4789 (ISSN-L)
  • 1933-2874
OpenAlex
W2802917102
Cited by
125
References
62
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 4
FWCI
6.51
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of clinical lipidology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Ionis Pharmaceuticals
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Lipid metabolism and disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Lymphatic Disorders and Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterology
Keywords
familial chylomicronemia syndrome, lipoprotein lipase deficiency, very low-fat diet, nutritional therapy, dietary guidelines, hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatitis, essential fatty acids, medium-chain triglyceride oil, fat-soluble vitamins, carbohydrate intake, weight management, patient-centered care
MeSH terms
Energy Intake, Humans, Life Style, Hyperlipoproteinemia Type I, Longevity, Pancreatitis, Guidelines as Topic, Diet, Fat-Restricted, Nutrition Therapy

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