Researchers studied over 8,000 people in China and combined their findings with 33 other studies involving more than 112,000 people worldwide. They discovered that two types of unusual fats called odd-chain fatty acids (found in dairy, fish, and whole grains) appear in your red blood cells and may be connected to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The more of these fats people had in their blood, the less likely they were to develop these serious health problems. This suggests that eating foods containing these fats might be a simple way to protect your heart and overall health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether two special types of fat found in blood are connected to lower chances of getting heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
  • Who participated: Over 112,000 people from around the world, including 8,185 people from China (average age 58 years old, about 38% men). The study followed people for about 5 years to see who developed heart problems or diabetes
  • Key finding: People with higher levels of these odd-chain fatty acids in their blood had 26-59% lower risk of heart disease and diabetes compared to those with lower levels. For example, those with the most of one type of fat (called 17:0) had 35% lower diabetes risk
  • What it means for you: Eating more foods that contain these fats—like fish, dairy products, and whole grains—may help protect your heart and reduce diabetes risk. However, this doesn’t mean you should change your diet dramatically yet; more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the best ways to increase these protective fats

The Research Details

This research combined two types of studies. First, scientists measured the blood of 8,185 Chinese people to see how much of these special fats they had. They also asked people what they ate using food questionnaires. Then they followed these people for about 5 years to count how many developed heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. Second, the researchers looked at 33 other similar studies from around the world involving over 112,000 people total and combined all the results together (called a meta-analysis). This combination approach is very powerful because it shows whether findings are true across different countries and populations.

By studying real people over time and combining results from many countries, scientists can be more confident that their findings apply to everyone, not just one group. The fact that results were similar in China (where people eat less dairy) and Western countries (where people eat more dairy) suggests these fats are important for health no matter what people’s typical diet is

This study is strong because it involved a very large number of people across many countries, followed them for years, and used careful scientific methods to measure the fats in blood. The researchers adjusted their results for other factors that affect heart health (like smoking, exercise, and weight). However, the study shows connection, not proof that these fats cause better health—other factors could be involved

What the Results Show

The study found that two odd-chain fatty acids—called 15:0 and 17:0—were strongly connected to lower heart disease risk. People with the highest levels of 15:0 had 28% lower heart disease risk, while those with the highest 17:0 had 31% lower risk. The 17:0 fat showed even stronger protection against diabetes, with people having the highest levels showing 59% lower risk compared to those with the lowest levels. When looking at all heart and metabolic diseases combined, higher 17:0 levels were linked to 15% lower overall risk.

These fats came from different food sources depending on where people lived. In China, these fats were found in fish, seafood, whole grains, and dairy products. In Western countries, they came mainly from dairy. This is important because it shows these protective fats can come from many different healthy foods.

When researchers combined results from all 34 studies worldwide, the protective effects were even clearer. The combined analysis showed that 15:0 was linked to 26% lower diabetes risk, while 17:0 was linked to 35% lower diabetes risk. For heart disease specifically, 17:0 showed 13% lower risk across all studies.

The study also found that these odd-chain fatty acids could serve as markers of eating healthy foods. In other words, if your blood has high levels of these fats, it suggests you’re eating good foods like fish, whole grains, and dairy products. This could help doctors identify people eating healthier diets. The research suggests these fats might be useful for doctors to measure when assessing someone’s risk of developing heart disease or diabetes

Previous research mostly focused on Western populations with high dairy consumption. This new study is important because it shows the same protective effects in Asian populations where dairy intake is much lower. This suggests the benefits aren’t just from dairy but from multiple food sources. The combined analysis of 34 studies worldwide confirms that these findings apply broadly across different populations and dietary patterns

This study shows that higher levels of these fats are connected to lower disease risk, but it doesn’t prove that eating more of these foods will prevent disease. People with higher fat levels might also exercise more, eat healthier overall, or have other healthy habits. The study was mostly observational, meaning researchers watched what happened rather than randomly assigning people to eat specific foods. More intervention studies where people are asked to eat specific foods are needed to prove cause and effect

The Bottom Line

Based on this research (moderate confidence level), consider eating more foods naturally containing these odd-chain fatty acids: fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, dairy products like milk and cheese, and whole grains like oats and brown rice. These foods are already recommended for heart health for many other reasons. You don’t need special supplements—these fats come naturally in regular foods. However, don’t make major diet changes based solely on this research; consult with your doctor or dietitian about what’s best for your individual health situation

This research is most relevant for people concerned about heart disease, diabetes, or stroke risk—especially those with family history of these conditions. It’s also important for people in Asia and other regions where dairy intake is lower, showing that heart-protective fats can come from diverse food sources. People already eating a balanced diet with fish, whole grains, and some dairy are likely already getting these protective fats. Those with existing heart disease or diabetes should discuss dietary changes with their healthcare provider

These protective effects developed over years of eating these foods, not overnight. The study followed people for about 5 years and saw benefits. You shouldn’t expect immediate changes, but consistent eating of these foods over months and years may help reduce your long-term disease risk. Blood levels of these fats reflect eating patterns over weeks to months, so dietary changes take time to show up in blood tests

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly servings of fatty fish (aim for 2-3 times per week), whole grain portions (aim for 3-5 servings daily), and dairy products (aim for 2-3 servings daily). Note the specific foods eaten to identify which sources you prefer and can sustain long-term
  • Set a goal to add one new source of these foods to your weekly routine—for example, ’eat salmon every Tuesday’ or ‘switch to whole grain bread.’ Start with one change rather than overhauling your entire diet. Track which foods you enjoy most so you’re more likely to stick with them
  • Monitor your overall diet quality by tracking servings of fish, whole grains, and dairy weekly. If possible, ask your doctor about checking blood levels of these odd-chain fatty acids during regular check-ups to see if your dietary changes are reflected in your blood. Track any improvements in energy levels, weight, or health markers over 3-6 months

This research suggests associations between certain blood fats and lower disease risk but does not prove cause and effect. These findings should not replace medical advice from your doctor. If you have heart disease, diabetes, or other health conditions, consult your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes. This study is observational and shows correlation; individual results may vary based on genetics, lifestyle, and other health factors. Always discuss personalized nutrition recommendations with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian