Cholesterol Levels Equally Important In Children
 Ignoring
the cholesterol levels of children could put them at risk for heart
disease later in life, according to a study by CNRC researchers.
"Children have the same issues with cholesterol as adults,"
said Dr. Theresa Nicklas,
a CNRC researcher and professor of pediatrics at Baylor College
of Medicine. "The cholesterol levels they have as children
could play a role in their health as adults."
Though the link between diet and blood cholesterol has been widely
studied in adult populations, little research has focused on this
relationship during childhood.
Nicklas and her colleagues followed 1,182 third graders for two
years. The food intake of the children was recorded and serum lipid
measurements were made at the beginning and again at the follow-up
in the fifth grade.
The study results, published recently in the Journal of the American
Dietetic Association, showed that the effect of diet on serum lipids
in children is similar to that observed in adults. Total fat and
saturated fat were positively associated with total cholesterol.
"We clearly need to promote healthier lifestyles earlier in
life," Nicklas said. "The growing problem of obesity in
children is evidence of that."
Healthy habits need to begin as early as preschool, she said. In
the context of healthy cholesterol levels, Nicklas recommends that
parents pay attention to three specific areas in their family diet:
reducing the amount of fat, particularly saturated fat, in the diet;
increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and encouraging
an active lifestyle.
"Children can be given a healthier diet and still get all
the nutrients they need," Nicklas said. "After age 2,
there's no problem with switching to a low-fat milk as long as the
children are getting a balanced diet."
Another important factor in introducing healthier eating habits
early is in establishing habits that will last to adulthood.
"It's easier to learn healthy habits when you're young than
to try to change established habits later on," Nicklas said.
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Decrease
portion sizes of high-fat foods like french fries |
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Eat
more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. |
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Use
leaner cuts of meats (white meat of poultry without
skin; fish; round or loin cuts of beef; loin cut of
pork). |
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Eat
more "vegetarian" entrees that feature non-meat
sources of protein like beans, dried peas and lentils. |
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Choose
low-fat (1%) or nonfat milk, cheese, and other dairy
products. |
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Cut
down on the use of added fats like butter, margarine,
mayonnaise, and salad dressing, or use low-fat alternatives. |
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