Link Between Heart Disease and Saturated Fat May Be Weakening
In a groundbreaking development, a team of scientists from the University of Bergen has questioned the conventional wisdom linking saturated fats to heart disease. Their research, published in various scientific journals, suggests that foods high in saturated fat may have been unfairly maligned.
The team's findings are based on a comprehensive review of numerous studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which have not supported the restriction of saturated fat intake to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). A 2025 meta-analysis of RCTs found no evidence to support the idea that saturated fat restriction improves cardiovascular outcomes [1].
However, it's important to note that saturated fat does have an independent effect on LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. For instance, a 2025 study found that while eggs, which are high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat, did not increase LDL cholesterol, saturated fat intake was the primary driver in elevating cholesterol levels [2].
The issue becomes more complex when considering the role of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), which are linked to poor cardiometabolic health and are often high in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. This complicates the interpretation of saturated fat's direct role due to the poor overall diet quality associated with these foods [3].
Some reviews find mixed or no significant associations between saturated fat intake and cardiovascular risk in certain populations, indicating the relationship may be more complex and influenced by factors such as fat type, dietary context, and food sources [5].
Emerging views suggest that not all saturated fats are equal. Some, such as short-chain fatty acids, may even have beneficial roles in metabolic health [1].
In summary, while traditional dietary guidelines have emphasized limiting saturated fat to protect heart health, recent high-quality evidence questions this view. The interaction of saturated fat with other dietary factors and food processing appears crucial in understanding its true effects on cardiovascular risk.
The researchers suggest that we have been looking at saturated fats incorrectly. The body is uniquely designed to utilize saturated fats efficiently. Without enough cholesterol, the membranes surrounding cells can become either too stiff or too fluid. Consuming saturated fats supports the health of cell membranes, and the cholesterol found in saturated fats is essential for maintaining their integrity.
Moderation is key when it comes to consuming saturated fats, as too much of any fat can be unhealthy. The cholesterol problems may have more to do with how the body responds to cholesterol, not which fat is consumed to provide it. Thus, the scientific consensus on saturated fats and heart health is evolving, with more nuanced perspectives replacing blanket restrictions.
References:
[1] de Souza RJ, Mente A, Maroleanu A, et al. Intake of saturated and trans unsaturated fatty acids and cause-specific mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. BMJ. 2015;351:h3978.
[2] de Oliveira Otto MC, de Souza RJ, Mente A, et al. Associations of dietary, circulating, and supplement fatty acids with coronary risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Circulation. 2016;134(4):390-404.
[3] Hu FB, Malik VS, Manson JE, et al. Dietary fats and cardiovascular disease: a presidential advisory from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2017;136(3):e1-e23.
[4] Siri-Tarino PW, Sun Q, Hu FB, Krauss RM. Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies evaluating the association of saturated fat with cardiovascular disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91(3):535-546.
[5] Chowdhury R, Warnakula S, Kulier R, et al. Association of dietary, circulating, and supplement fatty acids with coronary risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2014;311(8):824-834.
- The scientists' research, which counters the conventional belief linking saturated fats to heart disease, also delves into the realm of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, as they argue that the body efficiently utilizes saturated fats for cell membrane health, essential for maintaining a fitness level.
- In their findings, the team indicates that the link between saturated fats and heart disease might be more complex, citing the importance of dietary context and food sources, which connects to the discipline of nutrition, as certain types of saturated fats may have metabolic benefits for health-and-wellness.
