Sound Off!

Heart Disease and Saturated Fat

February is Heart Health Month. We're encouraged to wear red and sport red dress pins on our lapels. The American Heart Association reminds us to maintain a healthy weight, get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet. Free cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings are offered.

The American Heart Association promotes a diet low in saturated and trans fats, and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat free or low fat dairy foods, and lean protein sources. These guidelines, based on years of research, were developed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease. The NCEP determined that saturated fat is the dietary factor that has the biggest impact on LDL (lousy) cholesterol.

So what does it mean when the following headline appears in newspapers, magazines and on internet sites: No evidence that dietary saturated fat is a cause of cardiovascular disease? The headline is in reference to a recently published meta-analysis that reports there is no significant evidence for concluding that dietary saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Now what? Are all the organizations promoting a diet low in saturated fat getting ready to change their recommendations? Before discarding decades of research and breaking out the bacon and butter perhaps a little more investigation and review are needed.

Consider that a meta-analysis looks at the results of many different studies. A problem can occur when the studies included are limited to those that produce only the anticipated results. This meta-analysis looked at prospective epidemiological studies which can show an association but not causation. Epidemiological studies rely on existing records and the data is only as good as the information found in the records. Funding also needs to be considered. Study authors indicated that more information is needed to determine if the risk of heart disease could be influenced by other nutrients used to replace saturated fat. Study funding should also be considered.

These results are another reminder that it might be best to focus on following a balanced diet with foods from all the food groups instead of the effects of a single nutrient (sounds like the dietary recommendations of the American Heart Association). Research is limited on how the effects of a single nutrient may vary when consumed with other foods.

As always arm yourself with sound information from credible sources. The headlines that get attention may be limited in facts. If you find yourself confused by the latest research let the nutrition experts at Sound Bites Nutrition get the answers for you. We study the research and stay on top of the latest trends so we can provide the best nutrition information to our clients.

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