Babies, Parenting, Child Health, Infant Nutrition

Organic Baby Food – AAP Announces New Cholesterol Monitoring Guidelines for Infants

07.13.2008 | 11:07:29 pm | Posted by mummums

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

When you think of high cholesterol, infants are probably the last age group to come to mind. organic baby food, parenting Yet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infancy may be just the time to start tracking cholesterol levels as a means of preventing future heart disease.

The new AAP recommendations follow a previous 10 year long standing policy on cholesterol and advise:
The use of low-fat milk instead of whole milk: starting at 12 months old if the babies are at risk for cholesterol or weight issues. The AAP previously did not recommend low-fat milk until babies were at least 2 years old. Considered the ultimate weaning off formula alternative, doctors recommended whole milk as it provides toddlers with fat their developing brains need. It appears now, however, infants and toddlers are getting plenty of fat in their diets from other foods and do not require the high cholesterol and fat content of whole foods.

Cholesterol screening at routine check-ups: for at-risk children starting at age 2 and no later than 10 years old. According to the AAP these at-risk children include those who are overweight, diabetic, have high blood pressure, have a strong family history of early onset heart disease, or an unknown family history.

Cholesterol reducing medication: beginning at age 8, the AAP now recommends the use of cholesterol lowering medication for children with unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, or excess weight. The prior AAP stance stated medication was only needed for children over 10 years of age who had not responded other weight loss treatments. Medications at such an early age should be considered a last resort, be sure to discuss all treatment options with a physician or registered dietitian.

A Word to the Wise
If you are like many parents who do their best to stay on top current health information, it probably feels a bit confusing that recommendations are constantly changing. It is important to note that current research is constantly shedding new light on previous recommendations that were based solely on the information available at that time. That being said, little to no research has been conducted on the long term use of cholesterol lowering medication, especially when it comes to toddlers and children. Mum Mum’s emphasizes optimum nutrition during pregnancy, nursing, and the first few years of life; a stance which is being proved time and time again to lay the groundwork for a healthy life for your baby. In fact, the American Heart Association finds infancy is the best time to introduce a hearth healthy diet.

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