Lipids in the diet of children and adolescents

Abstract

Lipids are macronutrients with multiple roles in adequate growth and development, as well as in maintaining health in other phases of life. In addition to being, along with carbohydrates, the main source of calories, lipids are indispensable structural and functional constituents of the human body. Their intake must be complete and adjusted to optimal needs, which differ in quantitative terms during different phases of growth and development. Of particular importance are meeting the needs for essential and semi-essential fatty acids and strictly adhering to the upper limits of permissible intake of saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and trans fatty acids.

Keywords: lipids; physiological role; optimal needs; children and adolescents