To examine whether Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Docosahexaenoic + Eicosapentaenoic Acids (DHA+EPA) supplementation in addition to National Cholesterol Education Program Step I Diet in Hypercholesterolemic Children increases Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) plasma levels in the 2 intervention groups versus placebo. Secondary outcome measure: effect of DHA and DHA+EPA supplementation on blood lipid profile

In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial 36 hypercholesterolemic children, 3-13 years of age, 19 males and 17 females were put on National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)Step-I diet and randomised into 3 groups to receive 500 mg/day of purified Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Docosahexaenoic Acid plus Eicosapentaenoic Acid (DHA+EPA) mixture (228 + 208 mg/day respectively), or wheat germ oil as placebo. They underwent at baseline and after a 4 month treatment: EPA and DHA levels in total plasma and in phospholipids, triglycerides, cholesteryl esters; dietary habits by food frequency questionnaire; blood lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides levels)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of primary hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol levels > 200 mg/dl before entering the study)
• BMI >3°and < 97° percentile for age
• First referring to our Lipid Clinic

Exclusion Criteria:

• Secondary dyslipidemia
• Obesity
• Step I diet or any dietary supplement before entering the study