UK consumers should continue to ensure saturated fats account for “no more than about 10%” of daily calories, according to a panel that advises the country’s government on nutrition.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) has issued the results of a review of the advice given on the consumption of saturated fats handed down in 1994.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

SACN has recommended no change to the advice and continues to assert “the dietary reference value for saturated fats remains unchanged: the [population] average contribution of saturated fatty acids to [total] dietary energy be reduced to no more than about 10%. This recommendation applies to adults and children aged five years and older”.

The committee added: “New evidence published since 1994 supports and strengthens the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Food Policy’s conclusion that a reduction in intake of saturated fats from current population average levels would be beneficial.”

The results of the review come amid some research suggesting the consumption of saturated fats does have health benefits. SACN’s review has therefore sparked some criticism. Prominent UK cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra described the guidance from SACN as “outdated”.

See Also:

According to the SACN report, the average intake of saturated fats as a percentage of total dietary energy among UK adults aged 19 to 64 years has fallen since the mid-1980s, when it was around 16% of total dietary energy intake. The committee said there had been no change between 2008/09 and 2016/17.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

SACN said date collected between 2008 and 2016 indicated “mean intakes of saturated fats remained above UK government recommendations”. The committee highlighted mean intakes were 12.4-13% among children, 11.9% in adults aged 19 to 64, higher at 12.5% for those between 65 and 74 and at 14.3% for those aged 75-plus.

The research indicated milk and milk products account for 21% of the intake of saturated fat.