A group of researchers, including an Australian nutritional scientist, have challenged recent draft WHO guidelines on reducing saturated fats in the diet.

In May 2018, the WHO published draft recommendations on saturated and trans fats, advising that saturated fats should be reduced to less than 10% of daily energy consumption.

But nutritional experts from around the world argue that the guidelines are based on research that fails to take into account evidence that the health effects of saturated fats vary with food sources and the type of fatty acid.

They warn that the recommendations could push governments towards promoting foods low in saturated fats but high in sugar and refined starch.