[Current recommendations concerning rational use of fats. II. Value of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the n-6 and n-3 groups and general recommendations].

The number of scientific proofs of a close correlation between health state and diet is increasing. The present suggestions on the consumption of fats and PUFA effect on the human organism are discussed on the basis of current literature and statements of the panel conference on "Fat and cholesterol". The survey of the pertinent literature seems to suggest the following conclusions. Blood lipid level decrease by low-fat diet depends more on the composition of fatty acids than on the total dietary fat content and on replacement of fats with carbohydrates. Long-chain n-3 fatty acids from seafish oil exert a beneficial effect on plasma lipid level. They participate in the mechanisms of blood clotting, inhibit atherosclerosis progression and reduce the arterial blood pressure. In the assessment of the effect of dietary fatty acids on lipid metabolism the dietary content of three groups of fatty acids must be considered: saturated (S), monounsaturated (M) and polyunsaturated (P). Diets containing the same P:S proportions but different amounts of saturated fatty acids produce various effects on the blood cholesterol level. The need is perceived of making the population aware of the importance of rational fat consumption and introduction of modifications of food processed by food product industry.