Although numerous studies had shown that dietary modification could lower blood cholesterol levels in adults, only a few studies had shown this effect in children, and none were long-term. Furthermore, the impact on long-term growth and development in children had not been studied. Concerns were raised about the safety of cholesterol-lowering diets in children, particularly during peak growing years. These concerns included possible deficits in growth and nutrient adequacy, and potential adverse psychological effects. This paucity of data was a potential barrier to active prevention measures. To fill this gap in knowledge, the DISC trial, a randomized, controlled clinical trial, tested the efficacy and safety of long-term dietary intervention for reduction of serum LDL-C levels in children during puberty.