The debate about saturated fats leading to heart disease is heating up again.
One group of scientists has published a report in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology which says dietary recommendations to limit consumption of saturated fatty acids is wrong and that they actually reduce the risk of strokes.
But another group of scientists issued a report last week saying there is “strong” evidence that saturated fatty acids cause coronary vascular disease (CVD) and their intake should be limited to 10 per cent or less of calories consumption.
The group with the opposing view wrote that “although saturated fatty acids increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, in most individuals, this is not due to increasing levels of small, dense LDL particles, but rather larger LDL which are much less strongly related to CVD risk.
“It is also apparent that the health effects of foods cannot be predicted by their content in any nutrient group, without considering the overall macronutrient distribution.
“Whole-fat dairy, unprocessed meat, eggs and dark chocolate are SFA-rich foods with a complex matrix that are not associated with increased risk of CVD. The totality of available evidence does not support further limiting the intake of such foods.T
The group upon which the United States bases its dietary guidelines is scheduled to issue its final report within a month. It is likely to continue to recommend limits on consumption of saturated fatty acids.
