Young children need heart-healthy diet for later life
Extensive research with children has found that they can develop high cholesterol levels at a very early age, something that parents clearly are not aware of
"Extensive research with children has found that they can develop high cholesterol levels at a very early age, something that parents clearly are not aware of," says Nicklas, a professor of pediatrics and researcher at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine.
For 14 years, Nicklas was one of the lead researchers on the Bogalusa Heart Study that determined that development of risk factors for heart disease can start forming in childhood. As one of the advisory committee members behind the recently released 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, she emphasizes one of the points that may not have been widely publicized when the Guidelines were published - that poor diet can even affect young children by showing up as high blood cholesterol.
Because children form "likes and dislikes" when they are young, that also is the time to introduce them to a wide range of heart-healthy foods, urges Nicklas. Some suggestions taken from the new Dietary Guidelines are: Include plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, all of which provide fiber and an array of nutrients. Substitute unsaturated fats for saturated and trans fats as part of a healthful diet to help lower cholesterol levels in both adults and children. One example would be using a soft, trans fat free margarine instead of butter or stick margarine. Use lean cuts of meat while avoiding fatty meats and fried foods and choose low-fat and fat-free dairy products instead of higher fat versions.
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