Risk and benefit of low fat intake in childhood.

The consumption of a low-fat diet is advocated as beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Because of still existing controversy the hypothesis whether low fat intake < or = 30% of total calories can maintain optimal growth and supply the desirable quantity of micronutrients was tested in a cohort of 500 children in preschool age. The children, apparently in good health and without any special dietary regimen, were stratified according to fat intake in three groups: < 30, 30-40 and > or = 40% of calories provided by fat. Our findings indicate that children with low fat intake were at a quite important risk of unsatisfactory intakes of fat-soluble vitamins, and also the nutritional density of consumed food was lower. The proportions of saturated (SFA), polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were rather similar in all three groups, but cholesterol and SFA intakes decreased significantly in those with low fat intake. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were however not significantly influenced.