Diet Therapy in Children with Hypercholesteremia

Abstract

High cholesterol level in serum (especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is the risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, timely diagnosis and treatment of hypercholesterolemia in children is crucial. The basic treatment for children with hypercholesterolemia is diet therapy. This article analysed current recommendations on nutrition for children with hypercholesterolemia. Cholesterol dietary intake should be limited (< 200–300 mg/day), as well as saturated and hydrogenated fats (up to 8–10%). On the other hand, consumption of mono- (> 10%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (up to 7–10% of the total dietary calories) should be increased. The need of complex carbohydrates consumption is stated, with the obligatory inclusion of soluble dietary fibres (pectin, inulin, mucus, gum) from fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains with maintaining normal dietary calories.

Keywords

• children
• hypercholesteremia
• diet
• nutrition
• cholesterol
• low-density lipoproteins