Treatment of High Cholesterol in Children

Evidence suggests that children with high cholesterol are likely to have high cholesterol when they are adults. Concern about developing disease is greater if there is a family history of heart disease, since the evidence is strong that heart disease runs in families.

Autopsies of healthy individuals killed in accidents or wars have shown noticeable damage to the arteries of young adults. The damage appears to be related to cholesterol levels in the blood. This evidence suggests that the process that leads to heart disease and heart attacks begins during childhood and the teenage years.

Behavior is learned. While we cannot change our genetic heritage, we can stop smoking, exercise regularly, and choose to eat a healthful, nutrient-dense diet, low in fat, cholesterol and added sugars. You have the chance now to teach your child healthy behavior patterns that will last a lifetime.

The first step in treatment of high cholesterol is to set reasonable, attainable goals for your child and your family and to modify your family's diet to achieve these goals.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends making changes to the diet as a main treatment for anyone with elevated cholesterol. Initial dietary guidelines to lower your blood cholesterol are outlined below:

• Total fat in the diet should be reduced to no more than 30 percent of your calories. The majority of your fat from foods should come from healthy, unsaturated fats such as nuts, avocados, olive oil and canola oil.

An average child should take in about 1,500 to 2,400 calories per day, depending on age and activity level. This would be about 50 to 80 grams of total fat per day with no more than 12-19 grams coming from saturated fat. You should check with your doctor or dietitian to see what is best for your child.

NOTE: It is important to look at nutrition fact labels. Foods labeled "cholesterol free" can still have extra calories, unhealthy fats and added sugars.

• Saturated fats have been shown to increase blood cholesterol levels. They are mainly found in animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, butter and milk. They are also found in processed and packaged foods, and in desserts.

Plant oils that are high in saturated fats include coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils. Limit the saturated fats to less than 7 percent of your calories.

• Dietary cholesterol should be no more than 200-300 mg per day. Cholesterol comes ONLY from animal sources and is never found in plant foods. Remember to look at total and saturated fat content as well as cholesterol on the food label.
• Fiber should be included daily. It is recommended that we get 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Most Americans do not meet this goal. Increasing soluble fiber (oats, beans, legumes) can help lower blood cholesterol.

Fiber can act like a sponge in taking some of the fat out of the body without letting it get absorbed into the bloodstream. Eating whole grains, beans, high-fiber cereals, fruits and vegetables daily can help increase fiber.

• Limit simple sugars, especially if triglyceride levels are high.

Triglyceride levels may be affected by the sugar and starch content of the diet, as well as fat content. Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, juice, lemonade and sports drinks can be especially troublesome. Refined white flours and added sugars can also raise triglycerides. Using whole grains instead of white flours can be helpful.

Did you know one 12 oz. can of regular soft drink has the equivalent of 10+ teaspoons of sugar in it? Do not "reward" children with food, especially not with high-fat or high-sugar treats. Stickers, crayons, books or small toys work well as positive incentives.