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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. The liver either makes cholesterol or uses cholesterol obtained from other sources: dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, cholesterol carried in the blood, or by reabsorbing bile from the gastrointestinal tract.
Cholesterol is crucial to the healthy functioning of the body, which needs it to build healthy cells and make vitamins and other hormones. But too much cholesterol can lead to serious problems, including heart disease and stroke.
High blood cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
What is the normal cholesterol level for a child? High cholesterol in children and adults is defined as total cholesterol over 200 mg/dL. Specifically, LDL or triglycerides greater than 130 mg/dL or HDL less than 40 mg/L are considered abnormal. For children, staying under these levels is considered healthy
High cholesterol in kids: What causes high cholesterol in a child?
High cholesterol is not just a problem for adults. Learn about normal cholesterol levels in kids, causes of high cholesterol and ways to keep your child healthy.
What causes high cholesterol in a child?
High cholesterol in children can be passed on from parents to children, or can be caused by obesity and diet.
“Youth obesity is a leading cause of high cholesterol in children,” says Nivedita Patni, M.D., Pediatric Endocrinologist at Children’s Health℠ and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern. “More than 43% of children with obesity have high cholesterol compared to less than 14% of kids who are not obese.”
Children who have diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or hypothyroidism are also at risk of developing high cholesterol during childhood. Though some hereditary factors can be difficult to control, knowing your family history is important. You can also help keep your child’s cholesterol in check by making sure they eat healthy, whole food nutrition and get plenty of exercise each day.
Foods that can help lower pediatric high cholesterol include:
• Canola oil
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Tuna
• Swordfish
• Salmon
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
Avoid foods which can increase “bad” cholesterol. Saturated fat should make up no more than 8-10% of your child’s overall fat intake. Trans fat should be avoided entirely.
Foods high in saturated fat that should be limited include:
• Beef
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Hot dogs
• Butter
• Ice cream
• Cheese
High trans-fat foods to avoid include:
• Microwave popcorn
• Margarine
• Fried foods
One way to reduce the risk of your child developing high cholesterol is to eat at home as often as possible. When you decide to eat out as a family, help your child avoid fried foods and sugary drinks, especially because portion sizes can be large.
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