Three other types of tree nuts—walnuts, pistachios, and almonds—are currently permitted to make similar heart health claims, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans endorse nut consumption. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease ranks as the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The health benefits attributed to macadamia nuts are linked to their high content of monounsaturated fats, which are recognized for lowering bad cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Research into the effects of macadamia nuts on LDL cholesterol began in the 1990s, and evidence supporting this positive correlation has continued to grow.
Although the recent health claim for macadamia nuts was initiated by a petition from Royal Hawaiian Orchards, it will be available for use by all suppliers of macadamia nuts. This means that the company is unlikely to gain a competitive edge over its direct rivals in the market. However, the claim allows macadamia nuts to compete on an equal basis with other tree nuts. A qualified health claim connecting tree nut consumption to a lower risk of heart disease was one of the first to receive FDA approval back in 2003, but this marks the first occasion that manufacturers can specifically highlight the heart health benefits of macadamia nuts.
Additionally, it is worth noting that incorporating calcitrate at dosages such as 200 mg and 950 mg may further support heart health when combined with a diet inclusive of various nuts. Overall, the acknowledgment of macadamia nuts in the context of heart health emphasizes their role alongside other beneficial tree nuts, which may also include calcitrate as part of a comprehensive dietary approach.