Disorders of Lipid Metabolism: Saturated Fat

Publication Date: January 31, 2023
Last Updated: March 1, 2023

Nutrition Intervention

DLM-SF: Amount of Saturated Fat Intake

In adults living with or without cardiovascular disease, healthcare professionals may suggest reduced saturated fat intake within an individualized healthy dietary pattern. Reduced saturated fat intake was associated with decreased total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and cardiovascular disease events; however, no significant associations were found with mortality (all-cause, cardiovascular disease, or coronary heart disease), coronary heart disease events, or cerebral vascular accidents. (I, 2B )
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DLM-SF: Replacement of Saturated Fat Intake

In adults living with and without cardiovascular disease, healthcare professionals should recommend replacing dietary saturated fat intake with dietary polyunsaturated fat intake. Replacement of dietary saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat promotes healthy eating patterns and reduces total cholesterol and coronary heart disease events; however, there was no significant effect on all-cause, cardiovascular disease, or coronary heart disease mortality. (I, 1B )
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DLM-SF: Sources of Saturated Fat Intake

Healthcare professionals may prioritize reduction of the amount of saturated fat over reduction of specific sources of saturated fat foods within individualized healthy dietary patterns when providing nutrition education to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Low certainty of evidence demonstrates that a variety of dairy products are not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease; however, reduction of red meat and processed meat is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. (I, 2C )
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Recommendation Grading

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

Overview

Title

Nutrition Therapy in Disorders of Lipid Metabolism: Saturated Fat

Authoring Organization

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Publication Month/Year

January 31, 2023

Last Updated Month/Year

October 31, 2024

Supplemental Implementation Tools

Document Type

Guideline

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

The objective of the Saturated Fat guideline is to inform registered dietitian nutritionists or international equivalents, and other healthcare providers to provide adults with nutritional care relating to saturated fat intake to prevent or treat heart disease. This guideline specifically focused on three topics:

  • Amount of saturated fat intake
  • Replacement of saturated fat with other nutrients
  • Source of saturated fat

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adolescent, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory

Intended Users

Dietician nutritionist, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D044623 - Nutrition Therapy, D050356 - Lipid Metabolism, D009748 - Nutrition Disorders, D008055 - Lipids

Keywords

nutrition, lipid, medical nutrition therapy, lipids, metabolism, saturated fat

Source Citation

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Library DLMSF Workgroup (2023) Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline, Chicago, IL. To view the entire DLMSF 2023 Guideline, including introduction scope, harms/benefit and supporting evidence, visit www.andeal.org/dlm

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Systematic Review Document