Macro partitioning
Consumption of saturated fatty acids (SFA) increases large, buoyant LDL particle mass and decreases small, dense LDL (sdLDL) particles compared to unsaturated fats or carbohydrates.
If you consume saturated fats, they tend to make your LDL particles larger and less dense compared to unsaturated fats or carbohydrates. While this lowers total LDL cholesterol, it may also increase small, dense LDL particles in some individuals, which are more strongly linked to heart disease risk. The net effect on cardiovascular risk is complex and depends on the overall dietary pattern.
consumption of saturated fat has been demonstrated to increase large, buoyant LDL particles, which may explain, in part, for the differing outcomes regarding fat consumption on CVD risk.
Why this rating
Based on a narrative review of multiple randomized controlled trials showing consistent shifts in LDL subclass distribution.
Source
The effects of fat consumption on low-density lipoprotein particle size in healthy individuals: a narrative review
Erik Froyen · Lipids in Health and Disease · 2021
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