Avoiding Saturated Fat Lowers Risk for Heart Disease in Children

Reducing saturated fat and trans fat intake reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents, according to a review and meta-analysis published in PLoS One. Researchers analyzed results and outcome measures for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies focused on dietary interventions to reduce saturated and trans fat intake in those between the ages of 2 and 19. Reductions of saturated and trans fats intake lowered blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, compared with control diets that did not reduce fat intake. Results showed no detrimental effects to growth or development due to lower fat intake. These conclusions suggest that low-fat dietary interventions effectively reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors in children and adolescents and may reduce the disease burden later in life.