Headlines linking cholesterol and children have left many parents concerned. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics now advises that some children should be tested, and perhaps medicated, for high cholesterol.

Cholesterol is produced by the liver and is necessary for the functioning of the body. However, too much cholesterol can lead to dangerous consequences.

There are two main types of cholesterol: high-density lipoproteins (also known as HDL, or "good" cholesterol) and low-density lipoproteins (also known as LDL or "bad" cholesterol).

Most cholesterol is LDL cholesterol, which clogs the blood...