In one type of monkey, healthy fats made the bad cholesterol particles bigger; in another type, they made them slightly smaller — showing the effect isn't the same in all animals.
Scientific Claim
In nonhuman primates, LDL particle size was significantly larger in cynomolgus monkeys fed polyunsaturated fat, but tended to be smaller in African green monkeys fed the same diet.
Original Statement
“LDL particle size was significantly (P < 0.001) larger in the group of cynomolgus monkeys fed polyunsaturated fat but tended to be smaller in African green monkeys fed polyunsaturated fat”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The language 'was significantly larger' and 'tended to be smaller' accurately reflects the data without implying causation. No overstatement detected.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
When both types of monkeys ate the same healthy fat, one kind (cynomolgus) ended up with bigger LDL particles, while the other (African green) had smaller ones — exactly what the claim says.