Endothelial Function in Healthy Young Individuals Is Associated with Dietary Consumption of Saturated Fat

Abstract

Background: A diet rich in fat, in particular saturated fat (SF), may be linked to cardiovascular disease development, possibly due to a detrimental effect of fat on endothelial function (EF). Objective: We aimed to determine whether the habitual SF intake [as a ratio to total fat (the sum of saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fat)] might influence endothelial function in young, overweight but otherwise healthy adults. Design: Sixty-nine young adults (49 males, mean age: 23 ± 1 years, mean BMI: 29.1 ± 0.8 kg/m²) were classified into three tertiles according to their habitual SF intake consumption (low SF: <39%, medium SF 39.1-43.7%, and high SF: >43.7% of total fat). Endothelial function was assessed using digital amplitude tonometry. Results: The three groups of individuals were comparable for total energy intake and calories from: fat, protein, and carbohydrates. There was no difference in anthropometric and hemodynamic variables among the groups. Those in the high SF group presented with impaired endothelial function [reactive hyperemia index (RHI): high SF: 1.60 ± 0.08 compared to 2.23 ± 0.16 in the medium SF and 2.12 ± 0.14 in the low SF group, P < 0.01]. Regression analysis, including gender, age, ethnicity, body mass index indicated that the ratio of SF to total fat was an independent predictor of the RHI (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The habitual consumption of a diet high in SF in relation to polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat was strongly associated with impaired endothelial function in young overweight adults, potentially contributing to increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: cardiovascular risk; diet; endothelial function; overweight; saturated fat.

Figure 1

Reactive Hyperaemia index (RHI) in individuals with habitual consumption of saturated fat (percentage of saturated fat/total fat) in the lowest tertile (Low SF), second tertile (Medium SF), and highest tertile (high SF). Data is presented as mean with minimum and maximum values. ^*Indicates P < 0.01 High SF vs. Low SF and High SF vs. Medium SF.

Figure 2

Relationship between endothelial function assessed as reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) and habitual consumption of saturated fat expressed as percentage of saturated fat/total fat. Dark circles and solid line represent individuals of European background, open circles and dashed line represent individuals with an Asian background and dark squares represent others.