High-sugar feeding and increasing cholesterol levels in infants

Hypercholesterolaemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Both total and LDL cholesterol levels are three-fold higher at the end of the first year of life and about four-fold higher in adulthood compared with the neonatal period. In the USA, only 25% of infants are exclusively breastfed and simple carbohydrate-rich formulas are preferentially consumed. Spikes in fasting glucose and insulin have been reported in formula-fed infants and are associated with higher levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, suggesting a potential link between high simple sugar intake and consequent increase in LDL cholesterol in early childhood.

Automated summary

Hypercholesterolaemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with cholesterol levels already increasing in early life. In the USA, only 25% of infants are exclusively breastfed, and formula feeding may lead to fluctuations in blood glucose and insulin levels in infants.