Change in cholesterol levels and in lipid fatty acid composition in safflower oil fed lambs.

The influence of safflower oil supplemented (5%) diet both on cholesterol level and on lipid fatty acid composition was investigated in serum, liver and muscle (Longissimus dorsi) of lambs. The fatty acid pattern varied similarly in all the three tissues. An increase in linoleic acid and in some other polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a simultaneous reduction of the saturated fatty acids (mostly palmitic and stearic acid) were observed. On the contrary, cholesterol content decreased notably (44%) in the liver, with a much less evident decrease in serum and muscle of treated animals.