What the science says about saturated fats after RFK Jr.'s comments

RFK Jr. has come out in support of saturated fats, saying he plans to encourage higher intake in future U.S. dietary guidelines. Here's what the science says about it.

Changes may be coming to the U.S. dietary guidelines: If public comments from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are any indication, Americans could see a big difference when it comes to saturated fat.

In July, Kennedy said at a meeting of the National Governors Association that new guidelines would be “common sense” and “stress the need to eat saturated fats, dairy, good meat, and fresh meat and vegetables.” He has called guidelines that promote low-fat dairy over full-fat versions “antiquated.” He has also praised fast-food chains that have switched their fryers from vegetable oil to beef tallow. Beef tallow is 50% saturated fat.

Saturated fats are known to raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and other types of cardiovascular disease. For 45 years, federal dietary guidelines have recommended Americans eat less of them.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Agriculture Department update the dietary guidelines every five years; 2025’s update has not been released yet. They historically rely on the recommendations of an expert advisory committee that spends two years sifting through the latest research and issues a detailed report.

The current expert committee published its report nearly a year ago and endorsed the existing recommendation for saturated fat: Americans should limit saturated fat intake to less than 10% of their daily calories starting at age 2, replacing it with unsaturated fat, particularly polyunsaturated fat. It added that Americans should try to get their unsaturated fat from plant-based sources.