This chapter presents an overview of the arguments linking intake of saturated
fatty acids (SFA) to plasma cholesterol and development of atherosclerosis, the basis of
cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. A short
description of atherosclerosis and the role of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as
well as effects of dietary fatty acids on the concentration of total and LDL cholesterol are
given with emphasis on the dominating role of palmitic acid in this regard. Effects of
fatty acids on haemostasis and infl ammation, important elements in atherosclerosis, are
also discussed. An overview of the evidence linking LDL cholesterol to CHD is given
based on animal, clinical, epidemiological and intervention studies. Possible involvement
of SFA in the development of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cancer
is discussed. Finally, the background for the current recommendations of SFA intake is
given. These all conclude that limitation in SFA intake is necessary if we are to combat
the CVD epidemic.