Health aspects of saturated fatty acids

Abstract: This chapter presents an overview of the arguments linking intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) to plasma cholesterol and development of atherosclerosis, the basis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. A short description of atherosclerosis and the role of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as well as effects of dietary fatty acids on the concentration of total and LDL cholesterol are given with emphasis on the dominating role of palmitic acid in this regard. Effects of fatty acids on haemostasis and inflammation, important elements in atherosclerosis, are also discussed. An overview of the evidence linking LDL cholesterol to CHD is given based on animal, clinical, epidemiological and intervention studies. Possible involvement of SFA in the development of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cancer is discussed. Finally, the background for the current recommendations of SFA intake is given. These all conclude that limitation in SFA intake is necessary if we are to combat the CVD epidemic.