The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) has opened the consultation process on its draft review of saturated fats and their effects on health.
The previous review of the issue concluded that saturated fat intake should be no more than 10% of total daily calories for adults and children aged 5 years and older. SACN’s draft saturated fats and health review has concluded that new evidence supports and strengthens the original Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy conclusion and is, therefore, recommending no changes to current government advice. Currently, average saturated fat intake is around 12% of daily calories.
The draft SACN report concludes that reducing saturated fat lowers the risk for cardiovascular disease, and improves blood lipids and glucose control. There is no evidence that reducing intake of saturated fat increases the risk for any of the health outcomes considered (cardiovascular disease, blood lipids, BP, diabetes, dementia and some cancers).
Submissions can be made using the online consultation response form and should be sent to sacnsatfat@phe.gov.uk. The consultation process was opened on Tuesday 8 May 2018 and will close 3 July 2018. Once all responses have been received, SACN will publish its final report and will make recommendations to government.
