Effects of oils and solid fats on blood lipids: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 30006369 · doi:10.1194/jlr.P085522
What was done
A systematic review and random dose-response network meta-analysis (NMA) evaluated randomized trials lasting at least 3 weeks comparing at least two of 13 dietary oils or solid fats: safflower, sunflower, rapeseed, hempseed, flaxseed, corn, olive, soybean, palm, coconut oil, lard, beef fat, and butter. Outcomes evaluated were LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and triacylglycerols (TGs). Analysis was modeled per 10% isocaloric exchange, and relative rankings were estimated using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).
What was found
In total, 54 trials were included. Safflower oil had the highest SUCRA value for LDL-C (82%) and TC (90%), followed by rapeseed oil (76% for LDL-C, 85% for TC). Palm oil had the highest SUCRA value for TG (74%), and coconut oil had the highest SUCRA value for HDL-C (88%). Safflower, sunflower, rapeseed, flaxseed, corn, olive, soybean, palm, and coconut oil, as well as beef fat, were more effective at reducing LDL-C (-0.42 to -0.23 mmol/l) compared with butter.
Why it matters
This analysis provides a comparative ranking of individual dietary fats on major lipid fractions, supporting recommendations to replace saturated solid fats like butter with unsaturated plant oils.
Limits
Total participant count, specific trial durations beyond the 3-week minimum, and participant baseline health characteristics are not reported in the abstract. Clinical cardiovascular endpoints (such as cardiovascular events or mortality) were not assessed, relying solely on intermediate blood lipid biomarkers.
Cited by
- supports Studies demonstrate that substituting saturated fats with seed oils lowers cardiometabolic risk factors.