SITHCCC042 Research Report
SITHCCC042 Research Report
SITHCCC042 Research Report
Culinary characteristics and ingredients of special, lifestyle, medical, allergen, cultural and religious diets
Complete the following table by providing a brief description of each diet or regime, the health or other implications of failing to address the special dietary
requirement, and at least one suitable adjustment, replacement or substitute ingredient.
Health/other implications
Characteristic/ Adjustment/replacement/
Description of failing to address
ingredient substitute ingredient
special requirements
Lacto ovo Includes dairy and eggs but excludes meat and fish. Inadequate protein intake, Plant-based protein
potential nutrient sources such as tofu,
deficiencies. tempeh, beans, lentils.
Vegetarian Excludes meat and fish but includes dairy and eggs. Iron and vitamin B12 Iron-rich foods like lentils,
deficiency, reduced protein spinach, fortified cereals;
intake. vitamin B12 supplements.
Vegan Excludes all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Risk of vitamin B12, iron, Plant-based sources of
calcium, and omega-3 fatty nutrients such as fortified
acid deficiencies. non-dairy milk, nuts,
seeds, and dark leafy
greens.
Pescatarian Includes fish but excludes meat. Potential mercury exposure Low-mercury fish options
from consuming certain like salmon, trout, or
fish. shellfish; plant-based
protein sources.
Low or no fat Limits fat intake for weight management or health reasons. Essential fat-soluble Use of non-fat or low-fat
vitamin deficiency (A, D, E, alternatives, such as skim
K), reduced satiety. milk, fat-free yogurt, or
lean cuts of meat.
High or low Emphasizes or restricts carbohydrate intake for various health goals. Imbalanced blood sugar For high-carb diets: whole
carbohydrate levels, energy fluctuations. grains, fruits, vegetables;
for low-carb diets: non-
starchy vegetables,
healthy fats, protein
sources.
High or low protein Focuses on increasing or decreasing protein consumption. Muscle loss or inadequate Lean meats, poultry, fish,
muscle repair (low protein), legumes, tofu for high-
kidney strain (excessive protein diets; vegetables,
protein). fruits, healthy fats for low-
protein diets.
Fad diets
Paleo Mimics the presumed diet of Palaeolithic humans, focusing on whole Nutrient deficiencies, Non-dairy calcium sources
foods and excluding processed foods, grains, and dairy. particularly in calcium, like leafy greens, fortified
vitamin D, and fibre. plant milk; vitamin D
supplements.
Raw Consists of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic foods, believed to Risk of foodborne illness, Sprouted grains, nuts,
preserve nutrients. inadequate protein, and seeds; legumes, fruits,
calorie intake. vegetables.
Ketogenic High-fat, very low-carb diet aiming to induce ketosis for weight loss or Nutrient deficiencies Healthy fats like avocado,
medical reasons. (vitamins, minerals), keto olive oil, nuts; low-carb
flu symptoms, potential vegetables, moderate
long-term health risks. protein sources.
Macrobiotic Emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, and beans, with minimal animal Nutrient deficiencies Diverse plant-based foods,
products. (vitamins, minerals, incorporating various
protein), potential grains, beans, sea
imbalances. vegetables; supplements
as needed.
Flexitarian Primarily vegetarian but occasionally includes meat or fish. Inconsistent nutrient intake, Emphasis on whole plant
potential for foods, occasional lean
overconsumption of meat or fish, minimal
processed foods. processed foods.
Type one and two Focuses on managing blood sugar levels through balanced carbohydrate Blood sugar fluctuations, Complex carbohydrates
diabetes intake. risk of complications (e.g., (whole grains, fruits,
heart disease, nerve vegetables), lean proteins,
damage). healthy fats.
Gluten free Avoids gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Nutrient deficiencies (Fiber, Gluten-free whole grains
B vitamins, iron), reliance (quinoa, rice), vegetables,
on processed gluten-free fruits, naturally gluten-free
products. proteins.
Dairy free Eliminates dairy products due to lactose intolerance or dairy allergy. Calcium, vitamin D, and Fortified non-dairy milk
protein deficiencies; (soy, almond), leafy
potential bone health greens, nuts, seeds,
issues. calcium-fortified foods.
FODMAPs Reduces intake of fermentable carbohydrates to manage digestive Digestive discomfort, Low-FODMAP alternatives
symptoms. nutrient deficiencies, like rice, potatoes, carrots,
restrictive eating patterns. certain fruits; moderation
and gradual reintroduction
of high-FODMAP foods.
Modified texture Alters food texture for individuals with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Risk of choking, inadequate Pureed, mashed, or soft
nutrition if textures are not foods; thickened liquids;
appropriately modified. specialized food
thickeners or additives.
Low or no salt Limits sodium intake for blood pressure management or kidney health. Electrolyte imbalances, Herbs, spices, citrus juices
potential iodine deficiency for flavouring; salt-free
(if not using iodized salt). seasoning blends; natural
salt alternatives like
seaweed.
Food allergens
Peanuts Avoidance of peanuts due to allergy. Risk of severe allergic Peanut-free alternatives
reactions (anaphylaxis), like sunflower seed butter,
potential cross- tahini; careful label reading
contamination. and avoidance of products
with peanut traces.
Tree nuts Avoidance of tree nuts due to allergy. Similar risks as peanut Nut-free alternatives like
allergy, potential for cross- seed butters (e.g., almond
reactivity. butter), pumpkin seeds,
sesame seeds.
Eggs Eliminates eggs due to allergy. Allergic reactions (ranging Egg substitutes
from mild to severe), (commercial egg
hidden egg ingredients in replacers, flax or chia
processed foods. seeds), applesauce,
mashed banana in baking
recipes.
Cow’s milk Avoidance of cow's milk due to lactose intolerance or milk allergy. Digestive discomfort, Plant-based milk
allergic reactions (varying alternatives (soy, almond,
severity). coconut), fortified with
calcium and vitamin D.
Fish Avoidance of fish due to allergy. Risk of allergic reactions Seafood-free alternatives
(ranging from mild to like tofu, tempeh, seitan;
severe), potential cross- careful label reading to
contamination. avoid fish-derived
ingredients.
Crustacea Avoidance of crustaceans (e.g., shrimp, crab) due to allergy. Similar risks as other food Shellfish-free alternatives
allergies, potential cross- like tofu, mushrooms,
vegetables; avoidance of
Sesame seeds Elimination of sesame seeds due to allergy. Allergic reactions (varying Sesame-free alternatives
severity), hidden sesame like sunflower seeds,
ingredients in processed pumpkin seeds, tahini-free
foods. hummus; careful label
reading to avoid sesame
traces.
Soy or soy beans Avoidance of soy or soy products due to allergy. Allergic reactions (ranging Soy-free alternatives like
from mild to severe), chickpeas, lentils, black
hidden soy ingredients in beans; soy sauce
many processed foods. alternatives (coconut
aminos, tamari).
Cereals (or grains) Avoidance of specific grains (e.g., wheat, barley) due to allergy or Digestive discomfort, Gluten-free grains like rice,
intolerance. nutrient deficiencies if not quinoa, corn; alternative
adequately replaced. flours (almond, coconut)
for baking; careful label
reading.
Lupin Avoidance of lupin due to allergy. Allergic reactions (varying Lupin-free alternatives like
severity), potential cross- chickpeas, lentils, beans;
reactivity with other careful label reading to
legumes. avoid lupin-derived
ingredients.
Sulphites Avoidance of sulphites (used as preservatives) due to sensitivity or Potential allergic reactions Sulphite-free foods, fresh
allergy. (ranging from mild to fruits and vegetables,
severe), asthma homemade foods without
exacerbation. added sulphites; careful
label reading.
Halal Compliant with Islamic dietary laws, which include specific methods of Religious non-compliance, Halal-certified meats,
animal slaughter and prohibitions on certain foods (e.g., pork, alcohol). cultural insensitivity. alternatives to pork
products (beef bacon,
turkey ham), alcohol-free
cooking ingredients.
Hindu May vary based on individual beliefs, but typically excludes beef and may Religious non-compliance, Vegetarian options,
avoid other animal products like pork. Some Hindus also avoid onions cultural insensitivity. avoiding beef and pork;
and garlic. onion and garlic-free
dishes for those adhering
to stricter practices.
Kosher Compliant with Jewish dietary laws, which include specific methods of Religious non-compliance, Kosher-certified meats,
animal slaughter and prohibitions on certain foods (e.g., pork, shellfish, cultural insensitivity. separate utensils and
mixing meat and dairy). cookware for meat and
dairy, avoiding prohibited
foods.
Food An immune system response triggered by consuming a particular food, often involving Ige 1. Peanut Allergy: Consumption of
allergy antibodies, leading to symptoms ranging from mild (hives, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis). peanuts leads to an immune system
reaction, potentially causing anaphylaxis.
2. Shellfish Allergy: Eating shellfish like
shrimp or crab can result in allergic
symptoms such as swelling, difficulty
breathing, or digestive issues.
Food Difficulty digesting certain foods, often due to enzyme deficiencies or sensitivities, leading to 1. Lactose Intolerance: Inability to digest
intolerance gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Unlike allergies, food intolerances do not lactose due to insufficient lactase
involve the immune system. enzyme, causing digestive discomfort
after consuming dairy products. 2. Gluten
Sensitivity: Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
results in digestive issues or other
symptoms after consuming gluten-
containing foods, without an immune
system response like in celiac disease.
Religious Dietary restrictions or guidelines based on religious beliefs and practices, often involving specific 1. Islamic Halal Dietary Laws: Prohibits
dietary foods or preparation methods deemed appropriate or forbidden according to religious teachings. consumption of pork and alcohol,
sanctions requires specific methods of animal
slaughter, and mandates avoiding
contamination with non-halal foods. 2.
Jewish Kosher Dietary Laws: Prohibits
consumption of pork and shellfish,
forbids mixing meat and dairy, and
Allergic reaction A customer orders coffee and cake in a bistro during a busy weekend lunch service. At the Health consequences
time of ordering, they clearly state that they have an allergy to eggs and egg products and
check that the cake they are ordering is egg-free as advertised on the menu. The waiter
assures the customer that it is. When the waiter takes the order through to the kitchen, they Legal consequences
are careful to communicate to the kitchen staff that the customer has an egg allergy and they
write the allergy carefully on the docket. However, when the cake is served, a sauce
containing egg protein is added to the plate and it is served to the customer. The customer
suffers an allergic reaction requiring hospitalisation.
Anaphylaxis A resident in an aged care facility has a known allergy to tree nuts causing anaphylaxis. The Health consequences
allergy is clearly recorded in the resident’s medical records, in meal plans and as required by
all the legislation. However, there is a change to an ingredient in one of the sauces used in a
standard recipe which is not picked up when stock is delivered. The resident unfortunately Legal consequences
consumes a tiny amount of the sauce, suffers an anaphylactic reaction and passes away as a
result.
Food A person with a food intolerance to lactose is eating at a new restaurant. They forget to Health consequences
intolerance advise the staff about their dietary issue and, when the meal is brought to the table, they
notice that it has been topped with cheese. The addition of cheese wasn’t described on the
menu. They then advise the staff they have a lactose intolerance and ask them to return the Legal consequences
dish to the kitchen and prepare a new one. When the dish comes back to the table, the waiter
assumes that it is safe for them to eat. The next day, they suffer dietary symptoms similar to
having eaten lactose and the only thing that they can put it down to is the meal that they had
in the new restaurant. When they contact the restaurant, they discover that the cheese was
removed from the top of the dish and the same dish was re-served. The restaurant advises
the customer that there may have been some cheese throughout the dish as well.
Vitamins Organic compounds essential for normal growth, metabolism, Examples: Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and
and overall health. They often act as coenzymes in metabolic broccoli), Vitamin D (found in fatty fish like salmon, fortified dairy
reactions. products, and sunlight exposure).
Minerals Inorganic elements essential for various bodily functions, Examples: Calcium (found in dairy products, leafy greens, and
including bone health, nerve transmission, and fluid balance. fortified foods), Iron (found in red meat, poultry, lentils, and
spinach).
Fibre Indigestible plant material that aids in digestion, promotes bowel Examples: Soluble Fiber (found in oats, fruits, and legumes),
regularity, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Insoluble Fiber (found in whole grains, nuts, and vegetables).
Carbohydrates Primary source of energy for the body, including sugars, Examples: Simple carbohydrates (found in fruits, honey, and
starches, and Fibers. table sugar), Complex carbohydrates (found in whole grains,
legumes, and vegetables).
Fats Essential for energy storage, insulation, and hormone Examples: Saturated fats (found in animal products like meat
production. They are classified as saturated, unsaturated, and and dairy, as well as coconut oil and palm oil), Unsaturated fats
trans fats. (found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish), Trans fats
(found in processed foods like margarine and fried foods).
Protein Essential for building and repairing tissues, enzymes, hormones, Examples: Animal sources (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy),
and antibodies. Composed of amino acids. Plant sources (legumes, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, nuts, seeds).
Water Vital for numerous bodily functions, including temperature Examples: Tap water, mineral water, fruits and vegetables with
regulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal. high water content (cucumber, watermelon, oranges).
Guideline 1 Eat a variety of foods from all food groups to ensure nutrient adequacy and health https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/
benefits. guidelines/guidelines
Guideline 2 Limit intake of foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and salt (sodium) for better https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/
health outcomes. guidelines/guidelines
Guideline 5 Encourage, support, and promote breastfeeding; infants should be exclusively breastfed https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/
until around six months of age. guidelines/guidelines