Abstract: This chapter compares the risks of chronic disease, and cardiovascular disease
in particular, associated with consumption of different saturated fatty acids. Emphasis is
placed on the effects of stearic acid as this has potential to replace trans fatty acids in
certain manufactured food products. The chapter fi rst reviews the effects of individual
saturated fatty acids on blood lipids, including cholesterol, as these are commonly used as
markers of disease risk. It then looks directly at evidence in relation to health outcomes.
Finally, recent evidence specifi cally on the effect of stearic acid relative to other fatty
acids, including trans fatty acids, is summarised.