What role does dietary intervention play in the management of hyperlipidaemia, and what specific dietary changes should I suggest?

Role of dietary intervention in hyperlipidaemia management: Dietary intervention is a key component of managing hyperlipidaemia, particularly in familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), and should be regarded as part of medical management alongside lipid-modifying drug therapy, not as a substitute for it.

Specific dietary changes recommended:

• Consume a diet where total fat intake is 30% or less of total energy intake.
• Limit saturated fats to 10% or less of total energy intake.
• Keep dietary cholesterol intake below 300 mg per day.
• Replace saturated fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily, following national guidance.
• Consume at least 2 portions of fish per week, including 1 portion of oily fish; pregnant women should limit oily fish to 2 portions per week.
• If consuming food products containing stanols and sterols, these should be taken consistently to be effective.
• Routine omega-3 fatty acid supplements are not recommended for people with FH unless they have had a myocardial infarction.

These dietary recommendations should ideally be delivered as individualised nutritional advice by a healthcare professional with specific expertise in nutrition.