Energy balance
High-fat diets rich in saturated fatty acids (e.g., lard) induce mitochondrial fission and dysfunction in liver and skeletal muscle, whereas diets rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., fish oil) promote mitochondrial fusion and improve function.
If you are consuming a high-fat diet, prioritize omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in fish oil) over saturated fats (like lard). This choice supports mitochondrial fusion, which is associated with better metabolic function and reduced oxidative stress, whereas saturated fats tend to fragment mitochondria and impair function.
In contrast to saturated fatty acids, omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids induce fusion processes and improve mitochondrial function.
Why this rating
The paper is a review citing multiple primary studies (in vivo rat models, in vitro cell lines) showing consistent results, though it lacks large-scale human clinical trial data.
Source
Diet impact on mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics
Rosalba Putti et al. · Frontiers in Physiology · 2015
DOI 10.3389/fphys.2015.00109
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