Effect on Serum Cholesterol in Man of Mono-Ene Fatty Acid (Oleic Acid) in the Diet.

Abstract

A controlled dietary experiment was performed on 22 men who subsisted 1st on a low-fat diet and then, in a switchback arrangement of 2 matched groups of 11 men each, for periods of 2 weeks, on each of 2 diets differing by 67.8 g daily of mono-ene, the difference being matched by simple carbohydrate calories. The 2 diets were identical in all other respects and calorie equilibrium was maintained throughout all 3 dietary periods. Results confirmed a prediction equation in showing no cholesterol difference on the 2 experimental fat diets, in spite of differences in I2 value and oleic acid content. Serum cholesterol rose significantly when the diet was changed from low fat to either of other diets and this change also conformed to that predicted by the equation. Serum phospholipid in general responded in parallel to cholesterol responses. In man the cholesterol raising effect of 1 g of a saturated fatty acid such as stearic or palmitic acid is balanced by the cholesterol-lowering effect of about 2 g of linoleic acid. Oleic acid may be isocalorically exchanged for carbohydrate without cholesterol effect.