Influence of Various Dietary Fats on Hypercholesterolemia and Atherogenesis in Cockerels

When cockerels were given a cholesterol supplemented, fat-free, semi-synthetic diet as the basic ration, all oils and solid fats were atherogenic and caused elevated serum cholesterol levels. The degree of hypercholesterolemia and atherogenesis was related to fatty acid composition of the fat fed. Margarines were less atherogenic and less hypercholesterolemic than oils. The additives used in the preparation of margarine have some influence on maintaining lower cholesterol levels, but do not appear to have any significant effects on atherogenesis. The structural isomers formed during margarine manufacture may be responsible through an alteration of lipid metabolism.