Favorable Trends in Serum Lipid Levels in U.S. Children and Adolescents

A surprising finding given the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity

Efforts to reduce cardiovascular risk factors include reducing serum cholesterol levels early in life. Investigators examined trends in serum lipid levels in 16,116 children (age range, 6–19 years) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1988 and 2010.

Among all youths, the following changes were significant: mean total serum cholesterol levels declined (from 165 mg/dL to 160 mg/dL), the prevalence of elevated serum cholesterol declined (from 11% to 8%), mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased (from 50 to 52 mg/dL), and mean non-HDL-C declined (from 115 mg/dL to 107 mg/dL). Mean serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were evaluated in adolescents…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

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Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Favorable Trends in Serum Lipid Levels in U.S. Children and Adolescents

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Reviewing Author