Diverse Mechanisms of Saturated Fatty Acids in Cardiovascular Disease

For many years, excessive intake of SFAs has been recognized as a principal cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite the prevalence of guidelines recommending the restriction of SFAs intake, particularly among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia, some researchers have pointed out a new connection between SFAs intake and cardiovascular health. This review explores the sources of SFAs in humans and the controversy surrounding the link between different chain lengths of SFAs and CVD risk by analyzing the available evidence, focusing on the effects of SFAs carbon chain heterogeneity. Based on the latest mechanistic studies and epidemiological data, it offers evidence-informed recommendations for clinical practice and dietary guideline amendments. In the authors’ view, the cardiovascular effects of SFAs depend not only on chain length but also on the food matrix in which they are consumed and the nutrients they displace.