Nutraceuticals in Paediatric Patients with Dyslipidaemia

Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the main cause of death and morbidity in the world. Childhood is a critical period during which atherosclerosis may begin to develop; in the presence of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), the lifelong elevation of LDL cholesterol levels greatly accelerates atherosclerosis. Lowering LDL-C levels is associated with a well-documented reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. Current guidelines support the dietary and lifestyle approach as the primary strategy of intervention in children and adolescents with FH. Nutraceuticals (functional foods or dietary supplements of plant or microbial origin) are included in the EU guidelines as lifestyle interventions and may provide an additional contribution in reducing LDL levels when pharmacological therapy is not yet indicated. Meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials have demonstrated that the same nutraceuticals improve lipid profile, including lowering LDL-C, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In this narrative review, starting from current scientific evidence, we analyse the benefits and limitations of the nutraceuticals in children and adolescents with dyslipidaemia, and we try to evaluate their use and safety in clinical practice.