Effect of dietary monounsaturated fatty acids on plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in women

To determine the effects of dietary fat satu- ration on plasma lipoproteins, we studied 2 1 free-living nor- molipidemic women ( I 3 pre- and 8 postmenopausal) on three consecutive diet periods. During the first 4 wk they consumed a saturated diet rich in palm oil and butter (19% saturated fatty acids (5), 14% monounsaturated fatty acids (M). and 3.5% poly- unsaturated fatty acids (P)). followed by 6 wk ofa monounsat- urated diet rich in olive oil (1 1% 5, 22% M, and 3.6% P), and 6 wk of a polyunsaturated diet rich in sunflower oil ( 10.7% 5. 12.5% M, and 12.8% P). Compared with the diet rich in saturated fatty acids. both diets rich in unsaturated fatty acids had similar lowering effects on total and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I were higher in the monounsaturated-nich period than in the poly- unsaturated-rich ( 10.5% and 12.7% respectively, P < 0.001) and the saturated-rich period (5.3%, and 7.9%. respectively. P < 0.05). These effects were independent of menopause status. Our data show that at this level of fat intake (36% as calories), a mono- unsaturated-rich diet results in a less athenogenic lipid profile than either polyunsaturated- or saturated-rich diets. .Ini J Clin Nuir 1992:56:77-83.