Association of circulating fatty acids with cardiovascular disease risk: Analysis of individual-level data in three large prospective cohorts and updated meta-analysis

We conducted the largest analysis to date to examine the association of circulating saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, either individually or in combination, with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. Our study reinforces that CVD associations vary importantly across saturated fatty acid sub-types, with positive associations for even-chain saturated fatty acids but negative associations for odd-chain and longer-chain saturated fatty acids, challenging the current broad dietary recommendations focused solely on lowering overall saturated fat intake.Marine-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid were negatively associated with both coronary heart disease and stroke, except for eicosapentaenoic acid, which was null for stroke. It supports the potential cardiovascular benefits of individual marine-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid and provides evidence to help inform currently inconsistent and insufficient trial evidence.