Monkeys that ate more polyunsaturated fat had less plaque buildup in their heart arteries, no matter what species they were.

Scientific Claim

In nonhuman primates, dietary polyunsaturated fat is associated with reduced coronary artery atherosclerosis in both cynomolgus and African green monkeys.

Original Statement

“Dietary polyunsaturated fat protected against coronary artery atherosclerosis in both species”

From study:Dietary polyunsaturated fat modifies low-density lipoproteins and reduces atherosclerosis of nonhuman primates with high and low diet responsiveness.

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

overstated

Study Design Support

Design cannot support claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The term 'protected against' implies causation, but the study design (observational animal cohort) cannot confirm causation. Only association can be claimed.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Dietary polyunsaturated fat modifies low-density lipoproteins and reduces atherosclerosis of nonhuman primates with high and low diet responsiveness.

Cohort Study

Animal

1995 Aug

Scientists fed monkeys two kinds of fat and found that the healthy, polyunsaturated kind lowered bad cholesterol and reduced heart artery plaque in both types of monkeys, proving it helps prevent heart disease in them.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Dietary polyunsaturated fat modifies low-density lipoproteins and reduces atherosclerosis of nonhuman primates with high and low diet responsiveness.

Score: 10

DOI: 10.1093/AJCN/62.2.463S

Similar Assertions

When monkeys ate more healthy fats like linoleic acid instead of saturated fats, their blood cholesterol levels dropped by about a quarter, no matter the species.

82%