March 2026

ADVANCING SCIENCE ON FATS AND OILS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

In this conversation with IAFNS Executive Director Wendelyn Jones, we explore the critical work underway in 2026 to advance evidence-based science on dietary fats and oils. From addressing common misperceptions to elevating our understanding of emerging food technologies, our interview highlights how IAFNS is catalyzing science that matters for public health.

How is IAFNS building on its momentum from 2025 into 2026?

WJ: 2025 was a big year for IAFNS. Some highlights include that we published 14 peer-reviewed publications, supported 57 webinars and events, and generated significant earned media coverage (over 1,000 'hits'). But we're not resting on those accomplishments. In 2026, we're deepening our commitment to advancing science for public benefit by focusing on some of the most misunderstood and scientifically complex areas of nutrition: dietary fats and oils.

The interest in fats and oils is high. Consumers are confused. Health professionals are looking for clarity. Policy makers are asking tough questions. And there's a lot of misinformation. IAFNS can make a difference here by providing clear, evidence-based science that informs better decisions for public health.

So, why don’t we talk about the work being done by the IAFNS Lipids Committee. What is their focus in 2026?

WJ: The IAFNS Lipids Committee has developed an impressive 2026 agenda that addresses gaps in the scientific evidence and public understanding of dietary fats. The committee has two major initiatives slated for launch.

First up, in early 2026, IAFNS is hosting a webinar focused on unsaturated fats, specifically monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats. This was programmed in response to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which were released in early January, and emerging discussions around dietary fat recommendations. The two-part webinar series, titled "Should I Recommend Foods Containing Unsaturated Fats?", is specifically designed for health professionals including registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), and nutritionists.

Second, this summer, we are hosting a virtual symposium on interesterified oils in food—examining the science, applications and health implications of this food technology.

Why focus on unsaturated fats — and why right now?

WJ: There's quite a bit of confusion around the role of unsaturated fats in a healthy diet. We're seeing misunderstanding and misinformation that could be corrected with science. The latest Dietary Guidelines emphasize replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat. But many health professionals don't have the tools or talking points to help people navigate this guidance. They want to know what ≤10% energy from saturated fat actually means for someone’s diet and they want to know practical, achievable recommendations for patients and clients. The April 1 and April 2 webinars will directly address these questions.

Perfect segue, can you say more about the Q1 webinar? What can you share?

WJ: Absolutely. So the webinar series is titled, "Should I Recommend Foods Containing Unsaturated Fats?" and we expect 200-500 participants, including a variety of key audiences such as registered dietitian nutritionists, government representatives, academics and industry professionals.

The two part webinar series aims to:

  • Provide clear, science-based evidence for the role of unsaturated MUFA and PUFA fats
  • Address the rationale for recommending foods containing unsaturated fats based on current dietary guidance
  • Offer practical advice that RDNs can deliver to help their clients achieve a diet with ≤10% energy from saturated fat
  • Address common misperceptions, including misconceptions about oils and concerns about processing methods.

IAFNS is a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) provider with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Each of the two webinars: "The Scientific Basis for Eating Foods Rich in Unsaturated Fat," has been approved to award 1 Continuing Professional Education Unit (CPEU) each in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program. This puts our science in the hands of the people counseling millions of Americans on diet and nutrition.

How does this effort connect to IAFNS' broader mission?

WJ: This is exactly what we do at IAFNS. Our mission is to advance science for public benefit. We're taking peer-reviewed science, synthesizing it, and making it accessible and actionable for the professionals who are on the front lines of providing health guidance. We are ensuring that science matters!

I'd also note that this work exemplifies the principles underlying all IAFNS initiatives—including our Principles for Food Classification that we published in 2026. These emphasize transparency, reproducibility, biological plausibility, and evolution of science. When we look at unsaturated fats, we are applying these same criteria asking, what does the evidence actually show? What are we sure about, and where might more research be required?

What about the second initiative on interesterified oils? What's driving this?

WJ: Interesterified (IE) oils represent an area where there's significant interest but also considerable confusion and emerging regulatory and market access questions. IE oils are used in food applications as an alternative to trans fats, yet there's limited understanding among key stakeholders—from policy makers to health professionals—about their production, their nutritional profile, and their health effects.

We believe that by elevating the science on interesterified oils, we can advance evidence-based decision making and better support public health. The symposium will bring together key stakeholders in food policy and nutrition to examine what is known about IE oils from both food technology and nutrition perspectives.

What is the structure of the symposium?

WJ: The symposium is designed as a working session for key stakeholders in food policy and nutrition. We're expecting 50-100 participants—so, a bit more of an intimate setting than the April webinar. This will enable greater, deeper discussion.

The symposium will address three core areas:

  • Production, types, and food applications of IE oils
  • Nutrition and health benefits of IE oils
  • Priority research to address unknowns and identify what remains unanswered.

An important outcome will be a manuscript that summarizes the symposium discussions and the current state of science on IE oils. This manuscript will be published and will serve as a citable resource for future work in this area. Depending on the outcomes of the symposium, IAFNS may also choose to issue a Request for Proposals to publish a more formal document mapping the current knowledge of the human health effects of IE oil consumption.

How do these lipids initiatives connect to IAFNS's other work—like your recent efforts on protein?

WJ: That's an excellent question. Our work on protein—specifically, optimizing protein intake across the lifespan—and our work on lipids are both examples of IAFNS advancing and elevating science to address real-world questions that impact public health.

The protein work demonstrated the power of rigorous, evidence-based science. We brought together experts to examine what the science tells us about protein needs at different life stages—for children, adults, older adults, and athletes. The result was a comprehensive, peer-reviewed publication that is now informing discussions among health professionals and policy makers.

The lipids work is following the same rigorous pathway. We're taking complex, sometimes controversial topics and applying the same scientific rigor, the same commitment to evidence, and the same dedication to making science accessible and actionable for professionals and the public.

Both initiatives exemplify how IAFNS catalyzes science that matters. We identify gaps. We convene experts and fund research. And we translate that evidence into formats and forums where it can drive better decisions.

Looking ahead, what's your message to IAFNS' stakeholders?

WJ: This year is really shaping up to be another great one for IAFNS. The lipids initiatives represent just one area where we're advancing science for public benefit. Across our Scientific Committees we're catalyzing research and evidence that addresses some of the most pressing questions in food and nutrition.

The challenges facing our food and beverage ecosystem and public health are complex. But with rigorous science, transparent methodology, and genuine collaboration across sectors, we can advance solutions that benefit everyone.

Please join us! Together we are advancing science, advancing the conversation, and advancing public health.

For more information, email us at science@iafns.org.