CHICAGO (AP) - The American Academy of Pediatrics says some children as young as eight should be given cholesterol-fighting drugs to help ward off future heart problems.

That's a significant change from the group's previous policy, which said cholesterol-reducing drugs should only be considered in children older than 10 who have weight problems. But the academy's nutrition committee says mounting evidence shows that damage leading to heart disease begins early in life.

The committee also notes there's research showing cholesterol drugs are generally safe for children.

Under the new guidelines, the drugs would be given to children as young as eight who have too much so-called "bad" cholesterol.

The academy is also recommending cholesterol testing for children as young as two.

And, for the first time, it's recommending that even one-year-olds should be given low-fat milk, in cases where overweight or obesity "is a concern." One doctor on the panel acknowledges that could include virtually all children.


On the Net:
American Academy of Pediatrics: http://www.aap.org/


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)