Damage animal fats less than imagined?

Nutritional study: Animal fats not bad for the heart?

04/02/2014

For years, physicians and dieticians have been recommending that people consume less animal fats to protect the heart, among other things. A new study from the UK now questions this. The scientists had found no evidence to show that saturated fats from animal fats increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Nutrition experts advise for years to low-fat diet
For decades, many doctors and nutrition experts have advised eating rather less animal fats to protect the heart and blood vessels, among other things. The frequent consumption of saturated fatty acids in animal products such as butter, cream, cheese or red meat is associated with various diseases. It is usually advised to resort to foods with unsaturated fatty acids, such as margarine or olive oil. However, researchers led by Raijiv Chowdhury of Cambridge University in the UK have now discovered that the presence of saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet has no bearing on the incidence of coronary heart disease. Only the consumption of trans fat is associated with a higher disease risk. The scientists published their findings in the journal „Annals of Internal Medicine“.

Official recommendations are shaky
Chowdhury and colleagues have included 76 studies involving more than 600,000 participants in the meta-analysis. The new study is thus one of the most comprehensive reviews that has examined the influence of different fatty acids on heart disease risk. The authors come to the conclusion that the official recommendations of fat consumption are scientifically shaky legs. Thus, no evidence was found that eating saturated fats increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, margarine acid, a saturated fatty acid found in milk and dairy products, may even have some cardiac protective effect.

Omega-3 fatty acids in capsules without significant effect
However, the trans fatty acids still have to be avoided because they damage the cardiovascular system. Among other things, these fatty acids are produced during deep-frying and in the industrial partial hardening of vegetable fats and are found, for example, in French fries, finished products and biscuits. The researchers also conclude that the intake of unsaturated fatty acids as a dietary supplement, such as in omega-3 fish oil capsules, not beneficial to health. Omega-3 fatty acids are actually known to also reduce the risk of certain conditions such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. However, Chowdhury's analysis of numerous studies has found that ingesting fatty acids in the form of capsules did not significantly affect coronary heart disease in the more than 100,000 participants.

Revision of dietary recommendations advised
As the scientists write on the homepage of the university, the new findings would also call into question many of the contents of the current treatment guidelines: „With so many people affected by cardiovascular disease, it is very important that we have appropriate prevention guidelines based on the best possible evidence.“ For a final evaluation of the results, according to the authors, it is still too early. Further studies are needed. However, the researchers believe that the currently applicable dietary recommendations of many professional societies are questionable and a revision of the same would be advisable.

Neither documented nor refuted
The British Heart Foundation, which has commissioned the meta-analysis, remains cautious with its opinion. The analysis would neither prove nor refute the previous dietary recommendations. Other doctors, on the other hand, warn against immediately throwing over all good nutritional intentions, because in view of the increasing incidence of obesity and diabetes in the population, it would be counterproductive to disregard the topic of nutrition as a cause of disease as well as a prevention instrument. Not surprisingly, the results of the meta-analysis for the Munich nutritionist dr. Nicolai Worm. He said you had to tell people that fat was not rightly discredited. It contains vital substances, vitamins, essential fatty acids, taste and aroma and makes you full.

Rules for healthy nutrition
The German Nutrition Society (DGE), however, sticks to its recommendations: plenty of vegetables, many cereal products, preferably whole grains, and low fat. Especially against saturated fatty acids is warned. In one of the ten rules on healthy eating, which were only updated in November of last year, it says: „Too many saturated fatty acids increase the risk of lipid metabolism disorders, with the possible result of cardiovascular diseases. Prefer vegetable oils and fats, such as rapeseed and soybean oil and spreadable fats made from it.“ (Sb)