AF Form 2485 Sodium Restricted PDF – Download Official Form

AF Form 2485 Sodium Restricted PDF – Download Official Form – If you’re an Air Force service member, dependent, or TRICARE beneficiary requiring a medically prescribed low-sodium diet, AF Form 2485 is the key document used in U.S. Air Force medical treatment facilities (MTFs) to communicate sodium restrictions to Nutritional Medicine Service (NMS) and dining facilities.

What Is AF Form 2485?

AF Form 2485, titled Sodium Restricted (Pink)(6-way Perf), is an official U.S. Air Force form used to document and request a sodium-restricted diet for patients in Air Force hospitals, clinics, or inpatient settings.

  • Color: Pink copy
  • Format: 6-way perforation (multi-part form for distribution to different departments)
  • Purpose: Authorizes and communicates the need for a modified diet with controlled sodium levels to ensure the patient’s meals align with their medical requirements.

This form belongs to a series of specialized diet request forms in the Air Force nutritional management system. Related forms include variations for calorie-restricted, diabetic, fat-restricted, and liquid diets, each identified by specific colors and perforations for quick identification and routing.

Why Is a Sodium-Restricted Diet Prescribed?

Healthcare providers order sodium-restricted diets for conditions where high sodium intake can worsen symptoms or pose health risks, such as:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Kidney disease or chronic kidney issues
  • Liver disease with fluid retention
  • Post-surgical recovery or other cardiac-related conditions

Air Force guidelines emphasize careful management of sodium in therapeutic diets. Salt substitutes are generally not provided unless specifically ordered by a provider, and non-sodium, non-potassium herb/spice mixtures are preferred instead.

The form ensures the Nutritional Medicine Service prepares or selects meals that meet the exact sodium limits prescribed by the physician or dietitian.

Who Uses AF Form 2485?

  • Physicians and dietitians at Air Force MTFs
  • Nutritional Medicine Service personnel
  • Inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and medical dining facilities supporting Air Force personnel and authorized beneficiaries
  • Patients (or their providers) who need modified diets while admitted or receiving care on base

The form is completed by authorized medical staff and distributed via its 6-way perforation design to ensure all relevant departments (kitchen, ward, records, etc.) receive the necessary copies.

How to Obtain and Use AF Form 2485?

  1. Official Source — Download the current version directly from the Air Force e-Publishing website:
    https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af2485/af2485.pdf
  2. Completion — A qualified healthcare provider fills out the form with:
    • Patient’s name and identification information
    • Specific sodium restriction level (e.g., grams per day)
    • Medical condition or diagnosis justifying the restriction
    • Any additional diet modifications
    • Duration of the diet order
  3. Distribution — The 6-way perf design allows multiple pink copies to be routed efficiently within the medical facility and to food service operations.

Note: This is an internal Air Force medical form. Civilians or non-beneficiaries cannot simply download and use it independently. Always work through your military healthcare provider or TRICARE network for diet prescriptions.

The Air Force uses a color-coded system for efficiency:

  • Sodium Restricted: Pink (AF Form 2485 – 6-way; earlier versions like AF Form 2478 noted as 3-way in some manuals)
  • Diabetic: Green
  • Fat Restricted: Blue
  • Calorie Restricted: Green
  • Liquid: Yellow

These forms support standardized therapeutic feeding in military medical environments.

Tips for Service Members on Sodium-Restricted Diets

  • Follow provider instructions precisely — sodium restrictions often target 1,500–2,300 mg per day or lower, depending on the condition.
  • Communicate clearly with dining facility staff or Nutritional Medicine Service when using the form.
  • Focus on fresh foods, herbs, and spices instead of processed items high in sodium.
  • Monitor labels carefully, as military dining and MREs can vary in sodium content.

For broader nutrition guidance, Air Force policy (such as AFMAN 44-144) covers medical nutrition therapy, menu planning, and special diet provisions.

Download AF Form 2485

Official PDF Download:
AF Form 2485 – Sodium Restricted (Pink)(6-way Perf)

Always verify you are using the most current revision by checking the official Air Force e-Publishing site at www.e-publishing.af.mil.

Need Help with Your Diet Order?

Contact your Air Force Medical Treatment Facility’s Nutritional Medicine Service or speak with your primary care provider. They can evaluate your needs, complete the appropriate form (including AF Form 2485 when indicated), and coordinate with food services.

Important: This article provides general information based on publicly available Air Force publications and forms. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your military healthcare team for personalized guidance on sodium-restricted diets or any therapeutic nutrition needs.

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