The benefits and risks of following dietary guidelines aimed at decreasing cardiovascular risk from childhood
Ortega Anta, R.M.
Anales Espanoles de Pediatria 50(6): 576-580
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0302-4342 PMID: 10410420 Document Number: 509068
In recent years much attention has been given to the possibility of establishing precocious dietary recommendations which might help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. The aim of the present review is to analyze the possible risks associated with such practices. Some authors suggest that restriction of total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol intake might lead to nutritional imbalances and deficiencies in minerals and vitamins, especially fat-soluble vitamins, pyridoxine, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, iron, iodine and magnesium. It might also be associated with changes in the growth and development of children, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality due to other causes. All authors and organizations agree that in children, the principle objective should be that the diet provides the correct quantities of energy and nutrients in order for them to achieve optimum growth and development. With respect to the prevention of cardiovascular disease, it would seem best that a slow transition occur from the high fat intake of early infancy to those recommended in adult life (less than 30% of energy from fats, less than 10% from saturated fat and less than 300 mg/day cholesterol). In general, a transition stage should be respected with a gradual decrease in the amount of fat consumed between the age of two years and the end of the growth period. When restriction diets are absolutely necessary, their criteria should be carefully considered. The nutritional status of children following such diets should be monitored so that the fight against cardiovascular disease does not condition nutritional deficiencies with repercussions similar to, or even more serious than, the condition they intend to avoid.