AF Form 2478 Sodium Restricted (Pink) – Download PDF

AF Form 2478 Sodium Restricted (Pink) – Download PDF – If you’re an active-duty Air Force member, dependent, or civilian working with Air Force Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs), you may need AF Form 2478 when a healthcare provider orders a sodium-restricted diet for medical reasons. This specialized form ensures your dining facility or food service operation receives clear instructions to prepare meals with controlled sodium levels.

What Is AF Form 2478?

AF Form 2478, titled Sodium Restricted (Pink) (3-way Perf), is an official U.S. Air Force form used to request and document sodium-restricted therapeutic diets.

  • Color: Pink (helps food service staff quickly identify the diet type)
  • Format: 3-way perforated (multipart form for distribution to kitchen, medical records, and patient/provider)
  • Purpose: Communicates specific dietary modifications to Nutritional Medicine (NM) staff and dining facility personnel so they can prepare compliant meals.

This form belongs to a series of specialized diet request forms outlined in AFMAN 44-144, Nutritional Medicine. Other related forms include diabetic diets (green) and additional therapeutic modifications.

Why Is a Sodium-Restricted Diet Prescribed?

Healthcare providers order sodium restrictions primarily for managing conditions such as:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Kidney disease or chronic kidney issues
  • Fluid retention (edema)
  • Certain cardiovascular conditions

The standard U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting sodium to 2,300 mg per day for most adults, but therapeutic sodium-restricted diets in medical settings are often more stringent (e.g., 2,000 mg, 1,500 mg, or lower, depending on the provider’s order). The form allows the provider to specify the exact sodium level required.

In Air Force dining facilities and MTFs, this form ensures food service teams avoid high-sodium ingredients, use salt substitutes or herbs/spices appropriately (when authorized), and provide suitable menu alternatives.

Who Uses AF Form 2478?

  • Active Duty Air Force members receiving care at military treatment facilities
  • Retirees and dependents eligible for care in the Military Health System (MHS)
  • Diet Therapy Specialists (4D0X1) and Nutritional Medicine staff
  • Providers (physicians, dietitians, or authorized healthcare professionals) ordering medical nutrition therapy (MNT)

The form supports the Air Force’s mission to optimize health and performance through nutrition by ensuring warfighters and beneficiaries with medical dietary needs receive appropriate meals.

How to Obtain and Complete AF Form 2478?

  1. Download the official form directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
    https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af2478/af2478.pdf
  2. A licensed healthcare provider typically initiates and signs the form as part of medical nutrition therapy.
  3. The multipart (3-way perf) design allows copies to go to:
    • Food service / dining facility kitchen
    • Patient’s medical record
    • Provider or Nutritional Medicine department

Important: Always use the most current version available on the official e-Publishing website. Forms are referenced in AFMAN 44-144 (20 January 2016), which remains the guiding manual for nutritional medicine operations in Air Force MTFs.

  • AFMAN 44-144 – Nutritional Medicine: Provides overarching guidance on diet orders, menu planning, and therapeutic diets in Air Force facilities.
  • Diet Therapy Career Field (4D0X1): Enlisted specialists trained in medical nutrition therapy who help implement these diets.
  • General DoD/MHS resources on health and wellness, including management of chronic conditions that may require sodium control.

Note: This form is for official use within the Air Force medical and food service system. It is not intended for personal civilian use outside military channels.

Need Help with AF Form 2478?

If you are stationed at an Air Force base, contact your local Nutritional Medicine Clinic, Diet Therapy section, or Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) for assistance. Providers and dietitians can explain the exact sodium limits, provide education on following the diet at home or in the dining facility, and answer questions about meal options.

For the latest official guidance, always refer to:

Keywords: AF Form 2478, Sodium Restricted Diet Air Force, AF 2478 Pink Form, Air Force therapeutic diet request, military sodium restricted diet, AFMAN 44-144.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available U.S. Air Force publications and forms. Policies and forms can be updated; verify the current version on official Air Force e-Publishing channels.