Familial Hypercholesterolemia Treatment Guide

Reduce Saturated Fat Intake

Consuming a diet high in saturated fats is particularly risky for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Studies have shown saturated fats increase total cholesterol, and they also raise low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is already elevated in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. For patients with high cholesterol, doctors generally recommend saturated fats make up just five percent of the total daily calorie intake. For a patient consuming two thousand calories per day, this equates to approximately eleven grams of saturated fat. To reduce saturated fat intake, patients could start by reducing meat and dairy, which naturally contain higher levels of saturated fat. Switching to one percent or skim milk may be beneficial. In addition, reducing the use of oils such as palm, palm kernel, and coconut oil will help lower an individual's saturated fat intake.

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