A report today in the NY times talked about cholesterol medications for kids. It stated that the American academy of pediatrics was issuing new guidelines for testing children for cholesterol and administering cholesterol-lowering drugs. Previously the academy had recommended that children should be cholesterol medications should be given to children over 10 years old if they failed to lose weight within a 12 month period. However as per the new recommendations, children as young as 8 years old should be medicated with cholesterol drugs containing statins.
Here is the article http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/07/cholesterol-drugs-for-kids/
This is cause for concern. Statins are known to have serious side effects especially on the liver, muscle tissue and kidney. Statins also appear to raise heart risks instead of lowering them. Statins have also been known to induce memory loss.
Managing cholesterol whether in children or in adults should be done in a wholistic way. A lifestyle change is called for. Switch to a diet comprised largely of natural low-fat, high fiber vegetables and whole grains. Avoid processed sugars and saturated and trans fats present in fried and most baked goods. Consistent regular exercise is also important. Use natural herbs such as GUGGUL and GYMNEMA for cholesterol and lipid control.
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