Higher plant fat intake associated with higher deaths – Zoë Harcombe
Executive summary
* We’re looking at another population study this week, but there were some novel aspects to this one.
* A study of over 400,000 American retired people claimed that higher plant fat intake was associated with lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths and lower deaths from any cause.
* The raw data found the exact opposite – higher plant fat intake was associated with higher deaths (from CVD and any cause).
* Those with the highest plant fat intake at baseline were the least healthy – higher BMI, diabetes, smoking, drinking etc.
* The researchers then adjusted for so many things that the conclusions reversed and higher plant intake became associated with lower deaths (from CVD and any cause).
* Data were not available in the paper (or supplemental file) to be able to challenge the claim that higher animal fat intake was associated with higher deaths (from CVD and any cause).
* There were data absurdities and errors. There was a 1,600 calorie a day difference between the lowest and highest plant intake groups. i.e. the data were unreliable. The sources of fat did not add up to the claimed total intake of fat – not even close. i.e. the data were unreliable.
* This was an unusual study in that the food claimed to be healthy (in this case plant fat) is normally associated with a healthier person. Adjustment then moderates the risk ratio. In this study, the highest consumers of plant fat had the least healthy profile and higher deaths. Adjustment flipped this the other way round. That’s what we’re expected to believe, anyway.
