Low Fat Diets Not a Danger to Children

Researchers in Finland believe that parents can safely feed their children low fat diets without affecting the development of the brain. The medical industry had previously voiced concerns that children on low fat diets might not be able to develop fully due to nutritional deficiencies.

The study of over 1000 children in Finnish families involved monitoring the development of two groups of children, one fed under usual finnish health guidelines and one kept on a special cholesterol and fat controlled diet. When tested at the age of five, the two groups performed similarly in exercises of speech, language skills, motor functioning and perception.

Reducing fat intake in early childhood is believed to reduce the risks of contracting coronary heart disease in later life, as long as any diet is nutritionally balanced.

Friday, 1 September 2000