Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Role of Lipids in Human Nutrition

  • Chapter
Handbook of Olive Oil

Abstract

Lipid is the biochemist’s term for substances that dissolve readily in organic solvents but not in water. The layperson, concerned with what is in the foods that he or she eats, is more familiar with the term fat. The subtle distinctions between the biochemist’s lipids and the nutritionist’s fats are apparent in this chapter; however, lipid is used in discussing metabolism, whereas fat is more appropriate to use in discussing diets.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 229.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Allen, J. C., Hamilton, R. J., eds. (1989). Rancidity in Foods, 2nd ed. London: Applied Science.

    Google Scholar 

  • Astrup, A., et al. (1997). The role of low-fat diets and fat substitutes in body weight management: What have we learned from clinical studies? JAm Diet Assoc 97 (suppl. 7), S82 — S87.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bjerve, K. S., Mostad, I. L., Thoresen, L. (1987). Alpha-linolenic acid deficiency in patients on long term gastric tube feeding: Estimation of linolenic acid and long chain unsaturated n-3 requirements in man. Am J Clin Nutr 45, 66–77.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blackburn, H. (1987). Epidemiological evidence for the causes and prevention of atherosclerosis. In Hypercholesterolaemia and Atherosclerosis: Pathogenesis and Prevention, pp. 53–98. Edited by D. Steinberg, J. M. Olefsky. New York: Churchill Livingstone.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blundell, J. E., MacDiarmid, J. I. (1997). Fat as a risk factor for overconsumption: Satiation, satiety, and patterns of eating. JAm Diet Assoc 97 (suppl. 7), S63 — S69.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • British Nutrition Foundation (1992). Unsaturated Fatty Acids: Nutritional and Physiological Signifi- cance. The Report of the British Nutrition Foundation’s Task Force. London: Chapman, Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • British Nutrition Foundation (1993). Diet and Heart Disease: A Round Table of Factors. Edited by M. Ashwell. London: British Nutrition Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • British Nutrition Foundation (1995). Trans Fatty Acids. The Report of the British Nutrition Foundation’s Task Force. London: British Nutrition Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bryan, J. (1997). T cells divide and rule in Gulf War syndrome. Biologist 44, 445.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burr, G. O., Burr, M. M. (1929). A new deficiency disease produced by rigid exclusion of fat from the diet. J Biol Chem 82, 345–367.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burr, M. L. et al. (1989). Effects of changes in fat, fish and fibre intakes on death and myocardial infarction: Diet and Reinfarction Trial (DART). Lancet II, 757–761.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chow, C.K., ed. (1992). Fatty Acids in Foods and Their Health Implications. New York: Marcel Dekker.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, S. D., Jump, D. B. (1993). Regulation of gene transcription by polyunsaturated fatty acids. Frog Lipid Res 32, 139–149.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Colditz, G. (1992). Economic costs of obesity. Am J Clin Nutr 55, 503S - 507S.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Connor, W. E. et al. (1997). Should a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet be recommended for everyone? N Engl J Med 337, 562–566.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Department of Health (1991). Dietary reference values for food energy and nutrients for the United Kingdom. Report on Health and Social Subjects, 41. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Health (1994). Nutritional aspects of cardiovascular disease. Report on Health and Social Subjects, 28. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drewnowski, A. (1993). Human preferences for sugar and fat. In Appetite and Body Weight Regulation: Sugar, Fat and Macronutrient Substitutions, pp. 137–148. Edited by J. D. Fernstrom, G. D. Miller. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drewnowski, A., Popkin, B. M. (1997). The nutrition transition: New trends in global diet. Nutri Rev 55, 32–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eaton, S.B., Nelson, D.A. (1991). Calcium in evolutionary perspective. Am J Clin Nutr 54, 281S - 287S.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Engelberg, H. (1992). Low serum cholesterol and suicide. Lancet 339, 727–729.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Field, F.J., Mathur, S.N. (1995). Intestinal lipoprotein synthesis and secretion. Prog Lipid Res 34, 185–198.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Finley, J. W, et al. (1994). Caloric availability of SALATRIM in rats and humans. J Agric Food Chem 42, 495–499.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flatt, J. P. (1988). Importance of nutrient balance in body weight regulation. Diabetes/Metab Rev 4, 571–581.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Foltin, R. W, et al. (1990). Caloric compensation for lunches varying in fat and carbohydrate content by humans in a residential laboratory. Am J Clin Nutr 52, 969–980.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garrow, J. S. , James, W. P. T. eds. (1993). Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gey, K. E, Puska, P., Moser, U. K. (1991). Inverse correlation between plasma vitamin E and mortality from ischaemic heart disease in cross-cultural epidemiology. Am J Clin Nutr 53, 326S - 334S.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gillman, M. W, et al. (1997). Inverse association of dietary fat with development of ischemic stroke in men. JAMA 278, 2145–2150.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goedhart, A. C., Bindels, J. C. (1994). The composition of human milk as a model for the design of infant formulas: Recent findings and possible application. Nutri Res Rev 7, 1–23.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Griffin, B. A., Zampelas, A. (1995). Influence of dietary fatty acids on the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype. Nutri Res Rev 8, 1–26.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grundy, S. M., Denke, M. A. (1990). Dietary influences on serum lipids and lipoproteins. J Lipid Res 31, 1149–1172.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gunstone, E D., Harwood, J. L., Padley, E B., eds. (1994). The Lipid Handbook, 2nd ed. London: Chapman, Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurr, M. I. (1983). The role of lipids in the regulation of the immune system. Prog Lipid Res 22, 257–287.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gurr, M. I. (1988). Lipids: Products of industrial hydrogenation, oxidation and heating. In Nutritional and Toxicological Aspects of Food Processing, pp. 149–155. Edited by R. Walker, E. Quattrucci. London: Taylor and Francis.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurr, M. I. (1992a). Role of Fat in Food and Nutrition, 2nd ed. London: Elsevier Applied Science.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurr, M. I. (1992b). Dietary lipids and coronary heart disease: Old evidence, new perspective. Prog Lipid Res 31, 195–243.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gurr, M.I. (1993). Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-3 family Influence on inflammatory disease. Lipid Technol, 5, 65–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurr, M. I. (1996a). Dietary fatty acids with trans unsaturation. Nutr Res Rev 9, 259–279.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gurr, M. I. (1996b). Fats and fattening: Can we fool the system? 2. Non-digestible fats. Lipid Technol 8, 62–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurr, M. I. (1997a). Changes in blood lipids after a meal: Significance for health. Lipid Technol 9, 145–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurr, M. I. (1997b). Lipids and nutrition. In Lipid Technologies and Applications, pp. 79–112. Edited by F. D. Gunstone, E. B. Padley. New York: Marcel Dekker.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurr, M. I., Harwood, J. L. (1991). Lipid Biochemistry: An Introduction, 4th ed. London: Chapman, Hall.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, A. E., et al. (1958). Essential fatty acids in human nutrition: Clinical manifestations of human linoleic acid deficiency. J Nutri 66, 565–576.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hassam, A. G. (1985). The role of evening primrose oil in nutrition and disease. In The Role of Fats in Human Nutrition, pp. 84–100. Edited by E. B. Padley, J. Podmore. Chichester, England: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, J. R., et al. (1994). Review of triacylglycerol digestion, absorption and metabolism with respect to SALATRIM triacylglycerols. JAgric Food Chem 42, 474–483.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hellerstein, M. K., et al. (1991). Measurement of de novo hepatic lipogenesis in humans using stable isotopes. J Clin Invest 87, 1841–1852.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hibbeln, J. R., Salem, N. (1995). Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and depression: When cholesterol does not satisfy. Am J Clin Nutr 62, 1–9.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holland, B., et al. (1991). McCance and Widdowson s The Composition of Foods, 5th ed. Cambridge, England: Royal Society of Chemistry.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holman, R. T. (1970). Biological activities of and requirements for polyunsaturated fatty acids. Prog Chem Fats Other Lipids 9, 607–682.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holman, R. T., Johnson, S. B. (1981). Changes in essential fatty acid profile of serum phospholipids in human disease. Prog Lipid Res 20, 67–81.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holman, R T., Johnson, S. B., Hatch, T. E (1982). A case of human linolenic acid deficiency involving neurological abnormalities. Am J Clin Nutr 35, 617–623.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Howell, W. H., et al. (1997). Plasma lipid and lipoprotein responses to dietary fat and cholesterol: A meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 65, 1747–1764.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hulley, S. B., Walsh, J. M. B., Newman, T. B. (1992). Health policy on blood cholesterol: Time to change direction. Circulation 86, 1026–1029.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ip, C., et al. eds. (1986). Dietary Fat and Cancer. New York: Alan R. Liss.

    Google Scholar 

  • Isles, C. G., et al. (1989). Plasma cholesterol, coronary heart disease and cancer in the Renfrew and Paisley survey. Br Med J 298, 920–924.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, R. G. (1996). The lipids in human milk. Prog Lipid Res 35, 53–92.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, R. G., et al. (1990). Lipids of bovine and human milk: A comparison. J Dairy Sci 73, 223–240.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, R V. (1985). Dietary lipids and immunity. Adv Lipid Res 21, 103–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klemann, L. R, Finley, J. W., Leveille, G. A. (1994). Estimation of the absorption coefficient of stearic acid in SALATRIM fats. JAgric Food Chem 42, 484–488.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kremer, D. M., Robinson, D. R. (1991). Studies of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In Health Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Seafoods, pp. 367–387. Edited by A.P. Simopoulos, et al. World Rev Nutrition and Dietetics, Vol. 66. Basel: Karger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kris-Etherton, P. M., et al. (1995). Trans fatty acids and coronary heart disease risk. Am J Clin Nutr 62, 6555–708S.

    Google Scholar 

  • LaVecchia C., et al. (1995). Olive oil, other dietary fats and the risk of breast cancer (Italy). Cancer Causes Control 6, 545–450.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lehner, R., Kuksis, A. (1996). Biosynthesis of triacylglycerols. Prog Lipid Res 35, 169–201.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leitch, C.A., Jones, P. J. H. (1993). Measurement of human lipogenesis using deuterium incorporation. J Lipid Res 34, 157–163.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martin-Moreno, J. M., et al. (1994). Dietary fat, olive oil intake and breast cancer risk. Int J Cancer 58, 774–780.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McNamara, D. J. et al. (1987). Heterogeneity of cholesterol homeostasis in man: Response to changes in dietary fat quality and cholesterol quantity. J Clin Invest 79, 1729–1739.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mela, D. J. (1995). Understanding fat preference and consumption: Applications of behavioural sciences to a nutritional problem. Proc Nutri Soc 54, 453–464.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, K. W., Allgood, G. S. (1993). Nutritional assessment of Olestra, a non-calorific fat substitute. Int J Food Sci Nutr 44 (suppl. 1), S77 - S82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1940–1997). Household Food Consumption and Expenditure. Annual Report of the National Food Survey Committee. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, G. J., Schmidt, P. C., Kelley, D. S. (1995). Low-fat diets do not lower plasma cholesterol levels in healthy men compared to high-fat diets with similar fatty acid composition at constant caloric intake. Lipids 30, 969–976.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Okuyama, H., Kobayashi, T., Watanabe, S. (1996). Dietary fatty acids-the n-6/71–3 balance and chronic elderly diseases. Excess linoleic acid and relative n-3 deficiency syndrome seen in Japan. Prog Lipid Res 35, 409–457.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Parodi, P. W. (1994). Conjugated linoleic acid: an anticarcinogenic fatty acid present in milk fat. Aust JDairy Technol 49, 93–97.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Parthasarathy, S., Rankin, S M (1992). Role of oxidized low density lipoprotein in atherosclerosis. Prog Lipid Res 31, 127–143.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peters, J. C. et al. (1991). Caprenin 3. Absorption and caloric value in adult humans. JAm Coll Toxicol 10, 357–367.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Press, M., et al. (1974). Diagnosis and treatment of essential fatty acid deficiency in man. Br Med J 2, 247–250.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Read, W. W. C., Lutz, P. G., Tashjian, A. (1965a). Human milk lipids, II. The influence of dietary carbohydrates and fat on the fatty acids of mature milk. A study in four ethnic groups. Am J Clin Nutr 17, 180–183.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Read, W. W. C., Lutz, P. G., Tashjian, A. (1965b). Human milk lipids, III. Short term effects of dietary carbohydrates and fat. Am J Clin Nutr 17, 184–187.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reaven, G. M. (1988). Role of insulin resistance in human disease (Banting Lecture). Diabetes 37, 1595–1607.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Riemersma, R. A. et al. (1991). Risk of angina pectoris and plasma concentrations of vitamins A, C and E and carotene. Lancet 337, 1–5.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rimm, E. B., et al. (1993). Vitamin E consumption and the risk of coronary heart disease in men. N Engl J Medicine 328, 1450–1456.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rolls, B. J. et al. (1994). Satiety after preloads with different amounts of fat and carbohydrate: Implications for obesity. Am J Clin Nutr 60, 476–487.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenman, R. H. (1993). The questionable roles of the diet and serum cholesterol in the incidence of ischemic heart disease and its 20th century changes. Homeostasis 34, 1–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salonen, J. T., et al. (1992). Autoantibody against oxidized LDL and progression of carotid atherosclerosis. Lancet 339, 883–887.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sjostrom, L. (1973). Carbohydrate-stimulated fatty acid synthesis de novo in human adipose tissue of different cellular types. Acta Med Scand 194, 387–404.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg, D., et al. (1989). Beyond cholesterol. Modifications of low density lipoprotein that increase its atherogenicity. N Engl J Med 320, 915–924.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stender, S., et al. (1995). The influence of trans fatty acids on health: A report of the Danish Nutrition Council. Clin Sci 88, 375–392.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stubbs, R. J. (1995). Macronutrient effects on appetite. Int JObes 19 (suppl. 5), S11 - S19.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stubbs, R. J., et al. (1995a). Covert manipulation of dietary fat and energy density: Effect on substrate flux and food intake in men feeding ad libitum. Am J Clin Nutr 62, 316–329.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stubbs, R. J., et al. (1995b). Covert manipulation of dietary fat to carbohydrate ratio and energy density: Effect on food intake and energy balance in free-living men feeding ad libitum. Am J Clin Nutr 62, 330–337.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stubbs, R. J., et al. (1996). Covert manipulation of dietary fat to carbohydrate ratio of isoenergetically dense diets: Effect on food intake in ad libitum feeding men. Int J Obes 20, 651–660.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tremblay, A. (1992). Human obesity: A defect in lipid oxidation or in thermogenesis? Int J Obes 16, 953–957.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tremblay, A., et al. (1989). Impact of dietary fat content and fat oxidation on energy intake in humans, Am J Clin Nutr 49, 799–805.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Trichopoulos, A., et al. (1995). Consumption of olive oil and specific food groups in relation to breast cancer risk in Greece. J Natl Cancer Inst 87, 110–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vorster, H. H., Cummings, J. H., Jerling, J. C. (1997). Diet and haemostatic processes. Nutr Res Rev 10, 115–135.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weitz, Z. W, et al. (1991). High breath pentane concentrations during acute myocardial infarction. Lancet 337, 933–935.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C. M. (1997). Proc Nutr Soc 56, 679–692.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • World Cancer Research Fund (1997). Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective. Washington, DC: World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research, Washington.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization Study Group (WHO) (1990). Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases. Technical Report Series 797. WHO, Geneva: World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Michael I. Gurr
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

    John Harwood PhD, DSc (Professor) (Professor)

  2. Food Characterization and Quality Department, Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), Seville, Spain

    Ramón Aparicio PhD (Research Scientist) (Research Scientist)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2000 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Gurr, M.I. (2000). The Role of Lipids in Human Nutrition. In: Harwood, J., Aparicio, R. (eds) Handbook of Olive Oil. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-5371-4_15

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-5371-4_15

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-5194-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-5371-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation