The composition of fatty acids in the diet influences fat metabolism

Recent studies on fat intake have confused even experienced nutritionists and biochemists. For more than 35 years, nutrition experts have strongly recommended avoiding saturated fats and dairy products and increasing consumption of carbohydrates and polyunsaturated fats.

In 2014, a landmark meta-analysis that analyzed the results of 44 studies (Chowdhury et al.) showed that saturated fat consumption had no effect on coronary artery disease compared to other fats. In addition, other studies have shown that the consumption of dairy products actually reduced the risk of coronary artery disease.

An editorial in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that scientific studies do not support the concept that saturated fats and dairy products increase the risk of heart disease. Dietary health and wholesomeness should be based on total dietary intake, not individual components.

This issue is not dead yet. Peter Jones and colleagues showed that fat metabolism is influenced by the composition of fats. Monounsaturated fats, which are found in large quantities in the Mediterranean diet, could promote fat loss. Genetic variations could also influence the effects of dietary composition on fat metabolism.

(British Journal of Nutrition, published online on January 25, 2016)