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Diet - cholesterol
More than half of the adult population has blood cholesterol levels higher than the desirable range. High cholesterol levels often begin in childhood. Some children may be at higher risk due to a family history of high cholesterol.
To lower high cholesterol levels:
The recommendations for children's diets are similar to those of adults. It is very important that children get enough calories to support their growth and activity level, and that the child achieve and maintain a desirable body weight
The following two sample menus provide examples of an average American diet and a low-fat diet.
AVERAGE AMERICAN DIET
Totals: 2,000 calories, 84 grams fat, 34 grams saturated fat, 425 milligrams cholesterol. The diet is 38% total fat, 15% saturated fat.
LOW-FAT DIET
For the same number of calories, a low-fat diet provides 190 mg of cholesterol, compared to 510 mg of cholesterol for an average American diet. Because fat is high in calories, the low-fat diet actually has more food than the typical American diet. An example follows:
Totals: 2,000 Ccalories, 38 grams fat, 9.5 grams saturated fat, 91 mg cholesterol. The diet is 17% fat, 4% saturated fat.
Note: The low-fat diet example is too low in fat for small children to promote good growth. In addition, it may be difficult for them to eat such a large volume of food. Children should have a diet that is closer to 30% of calories from fat. Lower-fat diets may be appropriate in some children. Ask your doctor what is best for your child.