Saturated fat does not contribute to heart disease

[MeDieViL]

Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies evaluating the association of saturated fat with cardiovascular disease.
Siri-Tarino PW, Sun Q, Hu FB, Krauss RM.

Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute Oakland CA Harvard School of Public Health Boston MA.

BACKGROUND: A reduction in dietary saturated fat has generally been thought to improve cardiovascular health. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to summarize the evidence related to the association of dietary saturated fat with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and cardiovascular disease (CVD; CHD inclusive of stroke) in prospective epidemiologic studies. DESIGN: Twenty-one studies identified by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and secondary referencing qualified for inclusion in this study. A random-effects model was used to derive composite relative risk estimates for CHD, stroke, and CVD. RESULTS: During 5-23 y of follow-up of 347,747 subjects, 11,006 developed CHD or stroke. Intake of saturated fat was not associated with an increased risk of CHD, stroke, or CVD. The pooled relative risk estimates that compared extreme quantiles of saturated fat intake were 1.07 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.19; P = 0.22) for CHD, 0.81 (95% CI: 0.62, 1.05; P = 0.11) for stroke, and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.89, 1.11; P = 0.95) for CVD. Consideration of age, sex, and study quality did not change the results. CONCLUSIONS: A meta-analysis of prospective epidemiologic studies showed that there is no significant evidence for concluding that dietary saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of CHD or CVD. More data are needed to elucidate whether CVD risks are likely to be influenced by the specific nutrients used to replace saturated fat.

Link: Siri-Tarino PW. Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies evaluating the association of saturated fat with cardiovascular disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Jan 13. [Epub ahead of print] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20071648

 

[ferinox]

I never thought that saturated fats were that unhealthy. The raise good cholesterol and lower lipoprotein a. They're not pro-oxidants like polyunsaturated fats. They raise testosterone in men which has a beneficial impact on heart disease. My diet consists of mostly monounsaturated fats and saturated fats.

From my experience, my immune system works amazingly when I eat a lot of saturated fats and vice versa. I just feel way better when they're not cut out.

 

[TakeItAll]

Very interesting study. I must say I'm always skeptical about huge meta studies though. Not to say this one is bad but I have definately seen some stupid ones.

It does make me wonder if there are any differences in saturated fats. For instance coconut oil vs animal.

 

[The Liberal Media]

100 years ago people ate full fat dairy, cheese , etc etc in droves, and had less cardiovascular disease.

There is a superb book that talks about this ,as well as many other brilliant views that may just save your life.... I implore everyone to hunt out a copy


wouldnt cook with certain oils though, smoke points are too high
http://www.alphabetofgoodhealth.com/

 

[Syd_Barret]

I hate meta studies as well.

This has been known for a while, but the public isn't caught up just yet IMO.

 

[MynameisnotDeja]

They need to. I'm ready for my mom and grandma to stop telling me I'm going "to die" from eating coconut oil. lol

 

[glitterbizkit]

I've heard this a lot lately. Apparently the early studies done that "proved" that saturated fat was bad for you were done using hydrogenated fats. Don't ask me for the source for that, but I'll keep eating my coconut oil, just like MynameisnotDeja. Also, butter > margarine.