Swapping butter for olive oil doesn’t seem to change bad cholesterol levels in people eating strictly controlled diets.

Scientific Claim

Replacement of saturated fatty acids (SFA) with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) has no significant effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in controlled feeding studies.

Original Statement

“MUFA had no effect on LDL-C.”

From study:Abstract 18256: Importance of Controlling Dietary Intake of Saturated Fat for Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease: Lessons From the Metabolic Ward Studies

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 phrase 'had no effect' is a direct quote and accurately reflects the null finding in controlled trials. No causation is implied, and the language is appropriate for association.

More Accurate Statement

“Replacement of saturated fatty acids (SFA) with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) is associated with no significant change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in controlled feeding studies.”

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (0)

No supporting evidence found

Contradicting (1)

Abstract 18256: Importance of Controlling Dietary Intake of Saturated Fat for Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease: Lessons From the Metabolic Ward Studies

Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Human

This study found that swapping saturated fats (like butter) for monounsaturated fats (like olive oil) doesn’t change your 'bad' cholesterol levels, which is exactly what the claim says.

Source Study

Abstract 18256: Importance of Controlling Dietary Intake of Saturated Fat for Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease: Lessons From the Metabolic Ward Studies

Score: 54

DOI: 10.1161/circ.124.suppl_21.a18256

Similar Assertions

In a lab diet setting, swapping butter for vegetable oil lowers cholesterol more than just removing artificial trans fats.

83%

When you replace bad fats and cholesterol in your diet with healthy oils, your overall cholesterol balance improves by about 0.33 points on the ratio scale.

83%

When you swap out 5% of the fat in your diet from butter or meat to oils like sunflower or fish oil, your 'bad' cholesterol goes down by about 20 mg/dL.

82%

Eating more saturated fat, like in butter or cheese, is linked to higher levels of bad cholesterol in people eating strictly controlled diets.

82%

Cutting out butter and replacing it with vegetable oil lowers bad cholesterol more than just removing artificial trans fats from your diet.

80%