Fatty acids: a role for Africa?

Health effects of fatty acids have been very controversial. Total mortality is inversely associated with the amount of total fat consumed. In contrast, trans fatty acids or SFA intake is positively related to mortality while the inverse is observed with consumption of MUFA or PUFA. Among PUFA, long-chain (LC) n -3 PUFA have many beneficial effects. Dietary intake of some types of fatty acids is specific to Africa. Energy from saturated fat does...