Saturated Fats Increase Risk of Kidney Stones By Up to 22%, Warns Study
The rising popularity of carnivore and keto diets means the consumption of dietary fats is increasing. High-fat diets have long been studied and often found to have damaging effects on our health, mainly due to the high calorie content. However, one of the effects that high-fat diets can cause, is an increase in the risk of kidney stones. Now, new evidence sheds light on these risks, and why we should keep an eye on our saturated fat intake.
The Study
The study published in Scientific Reports aimed to investigate the association between dietary fatty acid intake (saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats) and the prevalence of kidney stones.
The Methods
Data was analysed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including records from 30,716 participants. The researchers used statistical methods to examine how different types of fats in the diet were linked to the likelihood of having kidney stones. They also looked at whether this relationship varied based on factors like age, gender, and health conditions.
The Results
Eating more dietary fats (including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated) was linked to a higher chance of having kidney stones.
For every 10 grams per day increase in these fats, the risk of kidney stones rose by 22% for saturated fats, 10% for monounsaturated, and 21% for polyunsaturated.
These findings were similar across all different groups, such as younger and older people, and those with different body weights.
The Conclusion
The researchers concluded: 'Higher intakes of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated are modestly associated with increased odds of kidney stones prevalence in a large US adult population.'
However they caveated: 'While these findings highlight the potential role of dietary fatty acids in kidney stones formation, it is important to recognise that the observed associations were relatively small.' Therefore, the researchers note that these results should be interpreted with caution.
They continued to note that future research should focus on better understanding diets in detail and figuring out how these fats affect the body, so that more specific advice to help prevent kidney stones can be given.
What Does This Mean For Us?
For those who have a history of kidney stones or are at risk of illnesses like obesity and diabetes, the information comes with important implications for adjusting their diets. Also, for those who are interested in improving health, we should be aware of our total fat intake. Fat is still a vital macronutrient in our diets, however we should ensure our meals are balanced with a focus on whole foods that are high in fibre. We should also ensure the fats we do include in out diets, mainly come from unsaturated sources.
As a rule of thumb, the NHS recommends for men:
That fat intake should not make up more than 35% of our total daily calories.
Include no more than 30g of saturated fat a day (no more than 11% total energy).
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