On July 7, 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a shocking new recommendation that stated children, starting at 2 years of age and no older than 10, should routinely get their cholesterol checked — and that some children as young as 8 should be started on statin drugs to lower their cholesterol and prevent future heart disease.

In my opinion, this AAP recommendation to prescribe statin drugs for children is off base for many reasons. We do have an obesity epidemic among children, and the problem of high cholesterol in children is increasing; however, the answer should not be to prescribe medications that have not been tested in children and could cause serious side effects.

Statins are a class of drugs that act by inhibiting an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that is needed for the formation of cholesterol in the liver. In the process, statins also inhibit other substances that have important functions. For example, statins interfere with the production of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a critical nutrient for cellular energy and muscle function.

The most common side effects of statins — most likely from a deficiency of CoQ10 –are muscle aches and wasting, slurred speech, and heart failure. Heart failure, because the heart relies on a plentiful supply of CoQ10 for proper functioning. Low levels of CoQ10 have even been reported to increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

There are even more important reasons that cholesterol should not be artificially lowered in children.

It is essential for the developing brain and nervous system. That’s why it is advised that young children drink whole milk rather than low-fat. Adults on statin drugs have reported memory loss and brain fog. What would be the consequences of these side effects on a child’s ability to do well in school?

Sex hormones are made of cholesterol. Sex hormones are needed for the proper development of sex organs and the ability to conceive during the reproductive years. Cholesterol also is needed to make serotonin, the “feel good” hormone that helps us get a good night’s sleep and protects against depression.

Among its many other functions, cholesterol helps us digest the fats in our diet. It is also a precursor to vitamin D, which is formed when sunlight interacts with the cholesterol in our skin. Vitamin D makes bones strong and provides protection against several forms of cancer.

Statin drugs have been shown in a couple of studies to raise cancer risk.^1-2 This may be due to its action of reducing the body’s production of cholesterol. The cancer studies were done in adults, but do we really need to recreate this experiment with children?

While there is a tendency in medicine to downplay the side effects of drugs, I have seen numerous patients with statin-induced health problems over the last decade. I would expect that children would be no different — and it could be worse because of the potential effects on their growth and development.

Recent studies are even questioning the efficacy of statins for their primary purpose (reducing calcification in coronary arteries) — and it is still to be proven that statin drugs really extend life.^3-4

Let me be clear — giving children statin drugs is a disaster waiting to happen and we can’t have enough voices joining the protest against this recommendation. Fortunately, I have already seen a number of pediatricians questioning it.

We need to understand why more and more of our children are obese and at risk of future heart disease. In children as in adults, artery clogging high sugar diets and a lack of activity are the primary cause of heart disease insulin resistance. My experience has shown that in young people these factors are made worse by environmental pollutants, stress, and excessive prescription drug use.

But the good news is that the majority of kids can reduce weight and high cholesterol levels with exercise and a diet of whole, natural foods that are low in sugar and free of trans fatty acids. If children can learn these lifestyle habits at a young age, their risk of heart disease will be greatly reduced.

No statins needed!

References

1. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/578053.
2. Ravnskov U, The Cholesterol Myths, Washington, DC, New Trends, 2000; www.THINCS.org.
3. Ravnskov U, Quart J Med. 2003;96:927-934.
4. Jackson PR, et al. Br J Pharmacology 2001;52:439-446

[Ed. Note: James LaValle, R.Ph, ND, CCN, is the founding Director of the LaValle Metabolic Institute, one of the largest integrative medicine practices in the country.  He was named as one of the 50 most influential pharmacists in the US by American Druggist magazine.  Dr. LaValle is the author of more than a dozen books including the bestseller, Cracking the Metabolic Code: 9 Keys to Optimal Health. To learn more, click here.]

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