AF Form 2487: Step 1 Moderate & Step 2 Strict Cholestero – AF Form 2487 is a specialized U.S. Air Force therapeutic diet prescription form used by medical and nutritional medicine (NM) personnel to order Step 1 (Moderate) or Step 2 (Strict) cholesterol and fat-restricted diets for patients. Printed on blue paper with 3-way perforation, it serves as a clear visual identifier and communication tool in military treatment facilities (MTFs) and dining operations.
This form helps ensure service members, patients, and authorized diners receive meals aligned with their medical needs, particularly for managing hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, heart health, or related conditions. It is referenced in AFMAN 44-144, which governs nutrition care, medical nutrition therapy (MNT), and menu planning in the Air Force.
What Is AF Form 2487 Used For?
Military dietitians and providers use AF Form 2487 to prescribe therapeutic diets that limit dietary cholesterol and total/saturated fat intake. These diets support:
- Lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels
- Reducing cardiovascular risk
- Managing conditions like high cholesterol, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or obesity
The form distinguishes between two levels of restriction:
- Step 1 – Moderate Cholesterol and Fat Diet
- Step 2 – Strict Cholesterol and Fat Diet
The blue color and 3-way perforation design allow easy distribution (e.g., one copy for the kitchen, one for the patient record, and one for the provider or ward). Similar forms exist with 6-way perf (such as AF Form 2488) for facilities needing more copies.
Download the official AF Form 2487 PDF here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af2487/af2487.pdf
Step 1 vs. Step 2: Moderate vs. Strict Cholesterol and Fat Diets
These designations draw from historical Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) and National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines (updated over time by the American Heart Association and other bodies).
Step 1 (Moderate) Diet typically includes:
- Total fat: 25–35% of daily calories
- Saturated fat: Less than 10% of calories
- Dietary cholesterol: Limited (often under 300 mg/day)
This level suits patients needing initial or moderate intervention while maintaining nutritional adequacy for active-duty demands.
Step 2 (Strict) Diet is more restrictive:
- Saturated fat: Less than 7% of calories
- Dietary cholesterol: Under 200 mg/day
- Greater emphasis on reducing animal fats, full-fat dairy, and certain processed foods
The stricter approach aims for greater LDL cholesterol reduction (potentially 8–10% from saturated fat limits alone, plus additional benefits from cholesterol reduction).
Both steps prioritize replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats (from sources like fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils) and increasing soluble fiber from oats, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
Note: Modern clinical practice has evolved. Current guidelines from the American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic emphasize overall dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean-style or DASH) over strict numerical cholesterol limits for many patients, while still recommending reduced saturated fat intake. Always follow the individualized order on the AF Form 2487 and consult the registered dietitian.
How AF Form 2487 Fits into Air Force Nutrition Care?
In Air Force Medical Treatment Facilities, providers issue diet orders (often via AF Form 1094 – Diet Order) that nutritional medicine staff then translate into specific therapeutic menus. AF Form 2487 communicates the exact cholesterol/fat restrictions to food service personnel preparing patient meals or supporting dining facilities.
Key related processes include:
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for dyslipidemia and other conditions
- Menu planning consistent with the Nutrition Care Manual
- Coordination with prime vendors for low-fat dairy and other modified items
These forms help track and deliver consistent care across inpatient, outpatient, and aeromedical evacuation settings.
Who Needs a Cholesterol and Fat-Restricted Diet?
Air Force personnel or beneficiaries may receive this diet order for:
- Elevated LDL cholesterol or hyperlipidemia
- Cardiovascular disease risk reduction
- Post-cardiac event management
- Metabolic syndrome or related conditions
Lifestyle changes remain foundational. Combining the prescribed diet with regular physical activity, weight management (if needed), and smoking cessation yields the best results for heart health.
Tips for Following a Step 1 or Step 2 Cholesterol-Lowering Diet
While the exact AF Form 2487 order dictates specifics, general evidence-based strategies include:
- Limit saturated fats — Reduce red meat, full-fat dairy, butter, and tropical oils (coconut/palm).
- Avoid trans fats — Check labels; minimize processed baked goods.
- Choose lean proteins — Opt for skinless poultry, fish (especially fatty fish rich in omega-3s), beans, and legumes.
- Increase soluble fiber — Eat oats, barley, apples, pears, beans, and Brussels sprouts.
- Use healthier fats — Incorporate olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds in moderation.
- Watch portion sizes and calories — Maintain energy balance to support mission readiness and healthy weight.
Service members should work closely with their healthcare team or registered dietitian for personalized guidance that aligns with operational requirements.
Where to Get AF Form 2487 and Related Forms?
- Official source: Air Force e-Publishing website
- Fillable versions: Available through authorized military forms portals
- Related forms: AF Form 2488 (6-way perf version), AF Form 1094 (general diet order), and others for sodium, fat, or calorie restrictions
Always use the most current revision from official Air Force channels.
Bottom Line:
AF Form 2487 is a critical tool in the U.S. Air Force’s nutrition care system for implementing moderate (Step 1) or strict (Step 2) cholesterol and fat-controlled diets. It ensures clear, standardized communication of therapeutic needs in a high-tempo military healthcare environment.
For questions about your specific diet order, contact your military treatment facility’s Nutritional Medicine Service or your provider. Proper use of these diets, combined with lifestyle changes, supports both individual health and force readiness.
This article is for informational purposes and reflects publicly available information about Air Force forms and general nutrition principles as of 2026. It is not a substitute for official military medical advice.