Nutrient Key Information | |||
Nutrient Name: | Total lipid (fat) | ||
Nutrient Category: | Macronutrients (Proximates) | ||
Measuring Unit: | g | ||
Nutrient Summary: |
Provide energy for the body. Each gram of fat provides 9 calories. The acceptable range of energies coming from total fat for adults is 20-35%. Fat is categorized into: 1) saturated fatty acids 2) cis monounsaturated fatty acids 3) cis polyunsaturated fatty acids 4) trans fatty acids Diets higher in saturated fat and trans fat increases risk of developing cardiovascular disease. |
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Nutrient Function: |
• Saturated fat: usually solid at room temperature. It can be synthesized by body, no health benefit. It may increase the LDL cholesterol which increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, so intake as low as possible. • Monounsaturated fat: usually liquid at room temperature. It can help reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels in the blood which can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Monounsaturated fat can also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain body cells. Usually oils rich in monounsaturated fats also contain vitamin E. • Polyunsaturated fat: usually liquid at room temperature. It is essential fatty acid. The common polyunsaturated fats are linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid). They cannot be made by the body, must be obtained through the diet. • Trans fat: not essential to body, no health benefit. Usually formed artificially during food processing. It may raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. |
Sample Foods High in: Total lipid (fat) |
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Food Description | Nutrient Amount1 | Daily Value%2 | |
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Butter, stick, salted
Category: Dairy and Egg Products
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82.2 g | 105.38% |
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Margarine, regular, 80% fat, composite, stick, without salt
Category: Fats and Oils
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80.71 g | 103.47% |
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Nuts, macadamia nuts, dry roasted, without salt added
Category: Nut and Seed Products
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76.08 g | 97.54% |
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Peanut butter, smooth style, with salt
Category: Legumes and Legume Products
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51.1 g | 65.51% |
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Chocolate, dark, 70-85% cacao solids
Category: Sweets
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42.63 g | 54.65% |
Additional Nutrient Information | |
Nutrient Summary |
Provide energy for the body. Each gram of fat provides 9 calories. The acceptable range of energies coming from total fat for adults is 20-35%. Fat is categorized into: 1) saturated fatty acids 2) cis monounsaturated fatty acids 3) cis polyunsaturated fatty acids 4) trans fatty acids Diets higher in saturated fat and trans fat increases risk of developing cardiovascular disease. |
Deficiency Health Effects |
Inadequate intake of dietary fat may result in negative energy balance, impaired growth, reproductive failure, skin lesions, kidney and liver disorders, and subtle neurological and visual problems. Though carbohydrate can be a replacement of fat for energy, low-fat and high-carbohydrate diets may alter metabolism in a way that increases the risk of chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. Lack of polyunsaturated fatty acids may cause rough scaly skin and dermatitis. |
Effects if Above Upper Limit |
Body has virtually unlimited capacity to store fat in the adipose cells. High-fat diets in excess of energy needs may cause obesity. High Saturated Fat or Trans Fat intake may increase the risk of coronary heart disease. |
External References |
• The National Academies of Science, Engineering, Medicine publication: Dietary Reference Intakes • US FDA Website: Interactive Nutrition Facts Label - Total Fat • Nutrition Science Book: Understanding Nutrition by Ellie Whitney and Sharon Rady Rolfes |
Daily Value Age Group | Recommended Daily Values | Daily Value Upper Limits |
Toddler 1 to 3 years old: | 44 g | |
Child 4 to 8 years old: | 54 g | |
Male 9 to 13 years old: | 70 g | |
Male 14 to 18 years old: | 101 g | |
Male 19 to 30 years old: | 109 g | |
Male 31 to 50 years old: | 101 g | |
Male 51 to 70 years old: | 93 g | |
Male Senior 71 or older: | 86 g | |
Female 9 to 13 years old: | 70 g | |
Female 14 to 18 years old: | 78 g | |
Female 19 to 30 years old: | 86 g | |
Female 31 to 50 years old: | 78 g | |
Female 51 to 70 years old: | 70 g | |
Female Senior 71 or older: | 70 g | |
Female Pregnancy (>18): | 86 g | |
Female Lactation (>18): | 86 g | |
FDA (Based on 2000 calorie daily diet): | 78 g | 78 g |
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The nutrient Dietary Reference Intakes and nutrition facts is from Institute of Medicine of National Academies 2006. Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11537 |
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Nutrition facts knowledge are based on U.S. FOOD & DRUG Administration Nutrition Education Resources & Materials. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/interactivenutritionfactslabel/ |
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Nutrition facts knowledge are based on National Institutes of Health Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all |
Disclaimer | The nutrient information provided here should not take the place of medical advice. We encourage you to talk to your healthcare providers (such as your doctor) about your dietary requirements which are best for your overall health. We also recommend you to read organization or professional reference documents or articles mentioned, but not limited to, in this page. Any mentions and reference links in this page don't represent our endorsement of their services and advice. |