Saturated fats: Summaries of and links to the literature
Müller H et al. J Nutr. 2003;133:78–83.
Study comparing the effects of a high saturated fat diet, a low saturated fat diet, and a high unsaturated fat diet on blood lipids in women. The authors concluded that “…changing the proportions of dietary fatty acids may be more important than restricting the percentage of total or saturated fat energy….” Read abstract
Mensink RP. Lipids. 2005;40:1201–1205.
This review of the effects of fatty acids on lipids shows that not all saturated fats have the same effect to the same degree. Get full article
Hayes KC. Asia Pacific J Clin Nutr. 2002;11(suppl):S394–S400.
The lead investigator for the research underpinning the Smart Balance® blend, Dr. Hayes found this: “Between dietary fat intakes of 20–40% en, the ideal balance would seem to approximate 1:1.3:1 for SFA : MUFA : PUFA.” Available here
Van Horn L et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108:287–331.
A comprehensive and systematic review of the evidence for key dietary factors and their associated risk of cardiovascular disease. Abstract available here
Edem DO. Plants Food Hum Nutr. 2002;57:319–341.
In this review article, the authors find the saturated-to-unsaturated fatty acid ratio of palm fruit oil “close to unity,” and present data on other effects of palm oil, including those associated with the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E. Abstract available here
Karmally W. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105:1068–1070.
The author presents the evidence for balancing unsaturated fatty acids with saturates. Available here
Poku K. Small-scale palm oil processing in Africa. Rome, Italy: Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations; 2002. FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin 148.
This brochure, published by a division of the US Department of Agriculture, describes palm fruit and palm kernel oils, including history, agricultural impact of harvesting, and harvesting processes. Available here
Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: Dietary Fatty Acids. J Am Diet Assoc. 2007;107:1599–1611.
ADA recommends that dietary saturated fat be as low as possible. Available here
AHA Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations
AHA recommends limiting saturated fat to <7% of energy. Available here