Effects of stearic acid and trans fatty acids versus linoleic acid on blood pressure in normotensive women and men.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of linoleic acid (cis,cis-C18:2) with that of its hydrogenation products stearic acid (C18:0) and elaidic acid (trans-C18:1) on blood pressure levels in normotensive humans. We therefore measured the effects of these fatty acids on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 30 women and 25 men. Three strictly controlled experimental diets were supplied to every subject for 3 weeks each, in different order (multiple cross-over). The composition of the three diets was constant, except for 8% of daily energy, which was provided by either linoleic acid, stearic acid, or monounsaturated trans fatty acids. The statistical power for detecting a true difference between two diets of 3 mmHg in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was over 90%. Mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure at the end of the dietary periods was 114/69 mmHg on the linoleic acid diet, 113/70 on the stearic acid diet, and 113/69 on the trans fatty acid diet. No significant differences were observed in blood pressure levels after 3 weeks on each diet. We conclude that a major increase in the intake of linoleic acid at the expense of stearic acid or trans fatty acids has no effect on blood pressure in normotensive young women and men.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes