For the first time, an influential U.S. doctors' group is recommending that some children as young as 8 be given cholesterol-fighting drugs to ward off future heart problems. It is the strongest guidance given on the issue by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which released its new guidelines yesterday. The academy also recommends low-fat milk for one-year-olds and wider cholesterol testing. Stephen Daniels of the academy's nutrition committee says the advice is based on growing evidence that shows damage leading to heart disease begins early in life. It also stems from recent research that shows cholesterol-fighting drugs are generally safe for children, Dr. Daniels said. Several of these drugs are approved for use in children and data show that increasing numbers are using them. "If we are more aggressive about this in...
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