HIGHER intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) from plant sources is associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, whereas higher intake from animal sources is linked to an increased risk.
MUFAs are a key component of dietary fat, but their impact on Type 2 diabetes risk remains uncertain, particularly regarding their source. While plant-derived MUFAs are found in foods such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados, animal-derived MUFAs are primarily present in meat and dairy products. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between MUFA intake and diabetes risk by analysing data from three large prospective cohorts.
Researchers examined dietary records from 51,290 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, 61,703 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II, and 29,497 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. MUFA intake was assessed every 4 years using food frequency questionnaires, and Cox regression models were used to estimate the association with type 2 diabetes incidence. Over 3,268,512 person-years of follow-up, 13,211 cases of Type 2 diabetes were documented. Higher total MUFA intake was associated with a modestly increased diabetes risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.10 for highest versus lowest intake; 95% CI: 1.01–1.22). However, when considering the source, MUFAs from plants were linked to a reduced diabetes risk (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.81–0.94), while MUFAs from animal sources were associated with a significantly increased risk (HR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.23–1.45). Replacing 5% of energy intake from MUFAs of animal origin with plant-derived MUFAs was associated with a 28% lower diabetes risk. Similarly, replacing 5% of energy from a combination of saturated fats and animal-derived MUFAs with plant-based MUFAs reduced risk by 18%.
These findings suggest that the health effects of MUFAs depend on their dietary source. Plant-based MUFAs may offer protective benefits against Type 2 diabetes, while animal-derived MUFAs appear to contribute to increased risk. From a clinical perspective, dietary recommendations should emphasise replacing animal-based MUFAs with plant-based alternatives, such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds. Public health strategies aimed at reducing Type 2 diabetes incidence may benefit from promoting plant-derived fats as a healthier alternative to both saturated fats and animal-based MUFAs.
Jenna Lorge, EMJ
Reference
Chen Z et al. Monounsaturated fatty acids from plant or animal sources and risk of type 2 diabetes in three large prospective cohorts of men and women. Diabetologia. 2025;DOI:10.1007/s00125-024-06353-8.
