Millions of Americans use statins to lower their cholesterol, but now the American Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that children as young as 8 should be put on the drugs if they’re at risk for heart disease. While some insist that this can promote long-term health, others warn of serious potential dangers. Can statins save your child’s life, or should kids stick to Flintstones vitamins?
Author: Overdosed America
The long term side effects of statins are not known. One study sponsored by a statin-maker showed a significant increase in the rate of new cancer in people over 70 who took the drugs for 3 years. And article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that laboratory mice have increased risk of cancer when their blood level of statins are only 3 to 6 times as high as achieved in humans on routine therapy. None of the clinical trials of statin safety have included long term follow-up for adults. The data for children is even less.
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