History of Fatty Acids
David Kritchevsky, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Published online: July 2002
DOI: 10.1038/npg.els.0003418
Abstract
In the early years of the 20th century the major causes of death were infectious disease, however with introduction of better
sanitation, cleaner food preparation and antibacterial drugs the major killers have become degenerative diseases such as heart
disease and cancer. Investigating the metabolic role of fat (from synthesis to utilization) may be central to our understanding
of the two major causes of death in the developed world, namely, heart disease and cancer.
Keywords: fatty acids; cholesterol; heart disease
Further Reading
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Kris‐Etherton PM,
Pearson TA and
Seligson FH
(1993)
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42: 130–134.
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(1965)
Serum cholesterol response to changes in diet. IV. Particular fatty acids in the diet.
Metabolism
14: 776–787.
Kritchevsky D,
Tepper SA,
Kuksis A,
Eghtedary K and
Klurfield DM
(1998)
Cholesterol vehicle in experimental atherosclerosis. 21. Native and randomized lard and tallow.
Journal of Nutrition and Biochemistry
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Mattson FH and
Grundy SM
(1985)
Comparison of effects of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in man.
Journal of Lipid Research
26: 194–202.
Mead JF,
Alfin‐Slater RB,
Howton DR and
Popjak G
(1986)
Chemistry, biochemistry and nutrition. Lipids.
New York: Plenum Press.
