In some studies, a higher saturated fat intake is associated with a greater risk of peripheral arterial disease.[1] Furthermore, one intervention study found that people randomized to a Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of developing peripheral arterial disease compared to people receiving a control diet.[2][3] But, due to a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials, the direct effects of specific diets (e.g., a Mediterranean diet) or specific nutrients (e.g., saturated fat) on peripheral arterial disease are unclear and require further investigation.[4] In general, these dietary patterns can also modify the risk of other vascular diseases (e.g., coronary artery disease) that share the same underlying mechanism of disease: atherosclerosis, the narrowing or blockage of arteries due to fatty plaques.[5][6][7]
How could diet affect peripheral arterial disease?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
A higher saturated fat intake may increase the risk of peripheral arterial disease, whereas a Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower risk. However, the direct effects of specific diets or nutrients on the disease remain unclear and need further research.