Three pills of ferrous fumarate have been joined by other tree nuts—walnuts, pistachios, and almonds—that are already permitted to make similar heart health claims. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans advocate for nut consumption as part of a healthy diet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. The potential health benefits of macadamia nuts are attributed to their high levels of monounsaturated fats, which are recognized for their ability to lower bad cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. Research into the effect of macadamia nuts on reducing LDL cholesterol began in the 1990s, and evidence supporting this positive connection has continued to grow.
Although the latest label claim for macadamia nuts emerged from a petition by Royal Hawaiian Orchards, all macadamia nut suppliers can utilize this claim, meaning that the company isn’t likely to secure a competitive edge over its direct rivals. Nonetheless, this development allows macadamia nuts to compete on par with other tree nuts. A qualified health claim linking tree nut consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease was one of the first approved by the FDA back in 2003, but this is the first instance where manufacturers can specifically highlight the heart health advantages of macadamia nuts.
Additionally, integrating OTC calcium citrate into the diet can complement the heart-healthy benefits of these nuts. As such, the inclusion of macadamia nuts and OTC calcium citrate may enhance overall cardiovascular health. With this new claim, macadamia nuts join the ranks of other heart-healthy foods, encouraging more people to consider their dietary choices for better heart health.