Disorders of Lipid Metabolism: Saturated Fat

Publication Date: January 31, 2023

Last Updated: October 31, 2024

Objective

The purpose of this patient summary is to provide information on nutritional care for adults regarding saturated fat intake to prevent or treat heart disease, including the amount of saturated fat intake, the replacement of saturated fat with other nutrients, and sources of saturated fat.

Background and Definitions

Heart disease, a type of cardiovascular disease (CVD), is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States.
- Heart disease includes a range of conditions that affect the heart muscle, valves, or blood vessels.

Dietary advice to prevent and treat heart disease has changed overtime, particularly for saturated fat.
- Saturated fat is a type of fat that is typically solid at room temperature and is primarily found in animal products (like butter, cheese, red meat, and other animal based foods) as well as some plant oils.

Recommendations for reducing saturated fats are based on understanding the effects that saturated fats can have on blood cholesterol levels
- Elevated cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and complications associated, such as heart attack and stroke.

Reduction of Saturated Fat

For all adults, reduction of saturated fat intake is recommended as part of a healthy diet.
- Decreased intake of saturated fats is associated with lower total and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and lowers your risk for heart attack and stroke.

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Replacement of Saturated Fat

For all adults it is recommended that saturated fats be replaced with polyunsaturated fats (examples, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and oily fish).
- This promotes healthy eating and reduces total cholesterol and coronary heart disease events (heart attack, stroke, angina, heart failure).

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Sources of Saturated Fats

To reduce your risk of heart disease, it is recommended that priority be given to decreasing the overall amount of saturated fat in your diet rather than limiting specific foods that are a source of saturated fat.
- Reduction of red meat and processed meat is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
It is unclear if dairy products are associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

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Note

There is not clear evidence of an association with varying amounts of saturated fat intake regardless of replacement nutrients, or the source of saturated fat with rate of death in adults.

Abbreviations

CVD: Cardiovascular Disease

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

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.