RISK AND BENEFIT OF LOW-FAT INTAKE IN CHILDHOOD

The consumption of a low-fat diet is advocated as beneficial in the pr evention of cardiovascular disease. Because of still existing controve rsy the hypothesis whether low fat intake less than or equal to 30% of total calories can maintain optimal growth and supply the desirable q uantity of micronutrients was tested in a cohort of 500 children in pr eschool age. The children, apparently in good health and without any s pecial dietary regimen, were stratified according to fat intake in thr ee groups: <30, 30-40 and greater than or equal to 40% of calories pro vided by fat. Our findings indicate that children with low fat intake were at a quite important risk of unsatisfactory intakes of fat-solubl e vitamins, and also the nutritional density of consumed food was lowe r. The proportions of saturated (SFA), polyunsaturated and monounsatur ated fatty acids were rather similar in all three groups, but choleste rol and SFA intakes decreased significantly in those with low fat inta ke. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were however not signifi cantly influenced.