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A summary of results of the Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC): lessons learned
Linda Van Horn1, Eva Obarzanek, Bruce A Barton
1Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, 680 North Lake Shore Drive, #1102, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. LVanhorn@Northwestern.edu
Insights
Preventing cardiovascular disease in children is crucial. The Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC) demonstrated a dietary approach to lower high cholesterol in youth, offering practical clinical applications for healthcare providers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiovascular health
- Preventive cardiology
- Childhood nutrition
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention should start in childhood.
- Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in children often persists into adulthood.
- Early intervention is key to mitigating long-term health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present practical findings from the Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC).
- To highlight the efficacy and safety of a dietary intervention for pre-adolescent children with elevated LDL-C.
- To translate DISC results into actionable clinical applications for healthcare providers.
Main Methods:
- Multicenter, collaborative randomized trial.
- Dietary intervention focused on reducing saturated fat and cholesterol intake.
- Involved pre-adolescent children with elevated LDL-C.
Main Results:
- The DISC study yielded significant findings on lipids-lipoproteins and genetics.
- Behavioral intervention strategies were developed and described.
- Nutrient adequacy was assessed during the intervention.
Conclusions:
- Key lessons learned from DISC offer practical insights for clinical practice.
- Translational applications can inform nurses and other healthcare providers on CVD prevention strategies.
- Early dietary interventions in children are vital for long-term cardiovascular health.
Abstract:
Prevention of cardiovascular disease must begin in childhood, preferably before risk factors develop. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in children are likely to track over time and become high-risk levels in adults. The Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC) was a multicenter, collaborative randomized trial in pre-adolescent children designed to test the efficacy and safety of a dietary intervention to lower saturated fat and cholesterol intake among growing children with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Numerous DISC results, which include findings on lipids-lipoproteins, genetics, and nutrient adequacy, as well as descriptions of the behavioral intervention strategies, have been reported. A summary of practical findings and their potential clinical applications have not previously been published. Highlights of key lessons learned from DISC and translational applications of potential interest to nurses and other health care providers are presented.