From the Guidelines
For a 9-year-old boy with high cholesterol, the most effective dietary approach is to limit foods high in saturated and trans fats, and emphasize heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. To achieve this, reduce consumption of:
- Fast food
- Fried foods
- Processed meats like hot dogs and bacon
- Full-fat dairy products (whole milk, cheese, ice cream)
- Commercially baked goods (cookies, cakes, donuts)
- Sugary foods and beverages Instead, encourage:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Low-fat dairy Cooking methods matter too—choose baking, grilling, or steaming over frying. These dietary changes are important because childhood eating habits affect lifelong heart health, and children with high cholesterol are at increased risk for early heart disease, as noted in 1 and 1. Regular physical activity is also essential, aiming for at least 60 minutes daily, as suggested in 1. Before making major dietary changes, consult with the child's pediatrician or a registered dietitian who can provide personalized guidance based on the child's specific cholesterol levels and overall health. Key dietary recommendations include:
- Limiting intake of fatty foods and highly processed foods 1
- Limiting sugary, fatty, and salty foods, and processed meat to 150 g weekly 1
- Choosing lean meats and vegetable alternatives, and selecting fat-free (skim), 1%-fat, and low-fat dairy products 1
- Minimizing intake of partially hydrogenated fats, and minimizing beverages and foods with added sugars 1
From the Research
Dietary Restrictions for a 9-year-old Male with Hypercholesterolemia
To manage hypercholesterolemia in a 9-year-old male, certain dietary restrictions are recommended. The key is to focus on a balanced diet that helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Reducing Saturated Fat Consumption: Studies suggest that reducing saturated fat consumption is beneficial for heart health 2. It is recommended to replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
- Increasing Consumption of Minimal and Unprocessed Foods: A dietary intervention that includes minimal and unprocessed foods, high in natural saturated fats, has been shown to have favorable effects on HDL cholesterol in children 3. This includes consuming green vegetables, beef, whole cow's milk, and whole dairy butter.
- Adopting a Traditional or Mediterranean Diet Pattern: A cross-sectional study found that a Traditional diet pattern, similar to the Mediterranean diet, is associated with healthier eating habits and lower cardiovascular risk markers in 9-year-old children 4.
- Monitoring Dietary Cholesterol Intake: While dietary cholesterol may not be directly linked to cardiovascular disease, it is still important to monitor intake, especially in foods high in saturated fatty acids 5.
- Following Recommended Daily Fat and Cholesterol Intake: The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that children derive less than 30% of their daily energy intake from total fat, less than 10% from saturated fat, and consume less than 300 mg/day of cholesterol 6.
Key Foods to Include and Avoid
- Include:
- Green vegetables
- Whole cow's milk
- Whole dairy butter
- Fruits
- Foods high in unsaturated fats (e.g., polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats)
- Limit or Avoid:
- Foods high in saturated fats
- Refined carbohydrates
- Added sugars
- Foods high in dietary cholesterol (especially if also high in saturated fats)