Although high cholesterol is generally considered an adult medical problem, it can also affect children. The Cleveland Clinic explains high cholesterol levels during childhood can lead to serious health concerns as the child gets older. Along with heredity, a child's cholesterol levels are related to diet and obesity. For this reason, a low cholesterol diet is often recommended for children with elevated cholesterol.
Identification
Cholesterol is a soft waxy substance used to form cell membranes and various hormones in the body. Within the body, cholesterol must be transported via special protein carrier cells known as lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is considered the unhealthy type of cholesterol that builds up along the artery walls. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, on the other hand, is considered the healthy type because it carries cholesterol to the liver for elimination from the body.
Dietary Guidelines
According to the American Heart Association, the total cholesterol level of children age 2 to 19 should remain at or below 170 mg/dL, while the LDL cholesterol level should remain at or below 110 mg/dL. Total cholesterol levels between 170 and 199 mg/dL is considered borderline, while total cholesterol levels over 200 mg/dL is considered high cholesterol. An LDL cholesterol of 130 mg/dL or higher is also considered high cholesterol.
High Cholesterol Dangers
When too much LDL cholesterol builds up in the body, thick deposits of plaque build up along the inside walls of the arteries. As a result, the flow of blood through the arteries becomes disrupted. If the deposits become too thick, blood flow may eventually become completely blocked. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, puts the child at an extremely high risk for heart disease, stroke and blood clots.
Diet Recommendations
High-cholesterol foods include meats, egg yolks, seafood and dairy products. When following a low-cholesterol diet, these foods should be limited. Select lean meats, such as turkey or fish, over red meats. Although dairy products should still be part of a low-cholesterol diet, opt for low-fat or nonfat cheese, milk and yogurt. Fruits, vegetables and grains contain no cholesterol and should be heavily included in a low-cholesterol diet. When cooking, use liquid vegetable oil or soft margarine in place of high-cholesterol solid fats. Most prepackaged and processed foods also contain a high amount of cholesterol, so check the nutrition labels carefully for cholesterol amounts.
Considerations
Along with following a healthy diet, children on a low-cholesterol diet should also get plenty of exercise. Exercise not only helps lower LDL cholesterol, but also helps raise healthy HDL cholesterol levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. Of these 60 minutes, at least half should be moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Kids should also aim for 30 minutes of muscle-strengthening exercises three times per week and 30 minutes of bone-strengthening exercises three times per week.
