Relation of age and race to serum cholesterol ester fatty acid composition

SummaryThe serum CEFA and cholesterol level of children (6-10 years old) and older subjects (60-87 years old) of both negro and white races have been compared. Children of both races had significantly less oleic acid and significantly more linoleic acid in their serum CEFA fraction than older subjects. Arachidonic acid did not show significant changes with increasing age. Negro and white subjects of the same age group did not show significant differences in CEFA spectrum. Also, children had a significantly lower total blood cholesterol level than older individuals. The significance of these findings as related to atherosclerosis is discussed.