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IDDSI FAQ – Dysphagia Diet Questions
General IDDSI & Dysphagia
Q1: What is IDDSI?
A: IDDSI stands for the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative. It provides a global framework to standardise texture-modified foods and thickened liquids, helping people with swallowing difficulties eat and drink safely.
Q2: Who needs an IDDSI diet?
A: IDDSI diets are used by people with dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing. This may be due to conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, neurological disorders, or age-related swallowing changes.
Q3: What are the IDDSI levels?
A: The IDDSI framework has eight levels, numbered from 0 to 7. These range from Level 0 (Thin liquids) to Level 7 (Regular, easy-to-chew foods), with each level describing a specific texture or thickness to support safe swallowing.
Q3: What are the IDDSI levels?
A: The IDDSI framework has eight levels, numbered from 0 to 7. These range from Level 0 (Thin liquids) to Level 7 (Regular, easy-to-chew foods), with each level describing a specific texture or thickness to support safe swallowing.
Safety & Benefits
Q4: Why is IDDSI important?
A: IDDSI reduces the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia by ensuring food and drink textures are consistent and appropriate for each person’s swallowing needs.
Q5: How does IDDSI improve patient safety?
A: The framework provides a universal language for carers, healthcare staff, and food providers, reducing miscommunication and ensuring safer, standardised care.
Practical Use
Q6: How can I test if food or drinks meet IDDSI levels?
A: IDDSI provides simple tests, such as the fork drip test or flow test, to check if a food or drink is at the correct level. These can be done in hospitals, care homes, or at home.
Q7: Can IDDSI diets be nutritionally balanced?
A: Yes. With proper preparation, texture-modified foods and thickened drinks can still provide all essential nutrients while remaining safe to swallow.
Q8: Where is IDDSI used?
A: IDDSI is adopted globally in hospitals, care homes, rehabilitation centres, and home care settings to support safe swallowing and better nutrition.
Services & Support
Q9: How can IDDSI Guy help me?
A: IDDSI Guy provides guides, resources, training, and consultation to help carers, families, and healthcare providers deliver safe, effective dysphagia diets.
Q10: How can I contact IDDSI Guy?
A: You can get in touch through our Contact page for enquiries, training, or support with implementing IDDSI diets.