I’ve seen a minimum of 20% of total calories from fat from many sources. Where does this number come from?
In the nordics, we recommend 25-40E% of dietary fat. It is based on a combination of things. First, it’s the amount of fat you are expected to consume in order to reach 1E% omega-3 fatty acids and 10E% PUFAs. Secondly, this amount ensures adequate intake of ADEK-vitamins, the fat soluble ones. Thirdly, it ties in with the other recommendations, where you need 10-20E% protein, and you’re recommended to consume 45-60E% carbs. Carbs are not essential, but if the source is mainly veggies, fruits, legumes and wholegrain then this ensures adequate amounts of fibre and water soluble vitamins
Honestly RDAs in terms of percentage of caloric intake isn’t really that scientific of a recommendation.
grams per pound of lean mass is more scientific, it’s just harder for the average person to calculate.
We have a minimum requirement of fatty acids to live. It’s just what type of intake would the average person require to get there, then put it into an easy to spit out and understand number.
The accepted macronutrient ranges are based off of polling the populace. We know ketogenic diets work so the lowest fat percentage is like 90%-60% for them. The guidelines aren’t based on biology but instead tradition. Source: I read the guidelines