One study looked at whether eating more unsaturated fat compared to saturated fat helps the heart — and found no link, even though other research has suggested it might.

Scientific Claim

The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat (P:S ratio) was not significantly associated with coronary heart disease risk in the single study that evaluated it, despite prior evidence suggesting a protective effect at higher ratios.

Original Statement

“Only 1 of the 21 studies that met criteria for inclusion in this meta-analysis evaluated the relation of the P:S ratio with CHD (14). No effect was seen in this study, in which the average P:S ratio was ≈0.4, nor was there an association of P:S ratio with CVD in the Israeli Ischemic Heart Study (U Goldbourt, personal communication, 2008).”

From study:Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies evaluating the association of saturated fat with cardiovascular disease

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The claim accurately reflects the study’s own admission of limited data on P:S ratio and avoids overinterpreting the single null result. Language is appropriately cautious.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (0)

No supporting evidence found

Contradicting (1)

Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies evaluating the association of saturated fat with cardiovascular disease

Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Human

2010 Mar

This study looked at whether eating more saturated fat causes heart disease, and found no strong link—but it didn’t look at the ratio of healthy fats to saturated fats, which is what the claim is about.

Source Study

Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies evaluating the association of saturated fat with cardiovascular disease

Score: 60

DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.27725

Similar Assertions

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