Low-Microbial Diet
These guidelines are intended to minimize the introduction of pathogenic organisms into the
gastrointestinal tract by food while maximizing health food options for immunosuppressed patients.
Persons with decreased immune function due to chemotherapy and radiation are at increased risk of
developing a food-related infection.
The guidelines allow foods that are safe when properly prepared in the home and hospital kitchen. Highrisk
foods identified as potential sources of organisms known to cause infection in immunosuppressed
patients are restricted.
The diet guidelines meet the Recommended Daily Intakes of the National Research Council for all
nutrients when following a well-balanced diet. Multivitamin supplements may be required if food intake
is poor.
General Considerations
• Discard any food with mold (cutting the mold off will not remove harmful organisms).
• Do not purchase a product after the expiration date shown on the label.
• All foods must be stored and handled properly to avoid food-related infections and illness. Keep
cold foods cold, hot foods hot and refrigerate leftovers immediately after use.
• Your dietitian or dietetic technician are sources of information about safe food handling and
selection.
This diet should be followed before and after all conditioning (chemotherapy and/or radiation) therapy.
Your doctor and dietitian will provide guidelines as to when the diet is no longer required.
We recommend that patients receiving chemotherapy alone, peripheral blood stem cell or autologous
transplant patients follow the diet during the first two months after chemotherapy or transplant.
Allogeneic transplant patients should follow the diet until off all immunosuppressive therapy (e.g.,
cyclosporine, prednisone, FK-506, thalidomide, etc.). Prior to the end of these periods, patients and their
caregivers should discuss with their referring physician whether or not the diet or parts of the diet should
be continued.