VIDEO: Swapping saturated fats for polyunsaturated fats is a ‘critical’ message

BOSTON — The cardiovascular benefits of linoleic acid were spotlighted during the opening session of NUTRTION 2023.

Penny M. Kris-Etherton, PhD, the Evan Pugh University Professor of Nutritional Sciences at Penn State, was part of the panel discussion, and she spoke with Healio about the evidence showing that linoleic acid supports heart health. She also touched on the current American Heart Association guidelines regarding intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and what primary care physicians should know on the topic.

“My message to primary care providers is to help patients decrease saturated fat in their diets, and replace saturated fat with unsaturated fat, with an emphasis on polyunsaturated fat,” Kris-Etherton said. “I think that replacement message is critical.”

Reference:

• Kris-Etherton P. Opening session & presidential symposium: Food as medicine: New findings to explain reduced risk of cardiovascular disease by dietary linoleic acid. Presented at: NUTRITION; July 22-25, 2023; Boston.