The effect of n-3 fatty acids on low density lipoprotein subfractions

A predominance of small, dense low density lipoprotein (LDL) represents a significant source of increased risk for the development of coronary heart disease in Westernized countries. Dietary long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids exert a potent triglyceride-lowering effect that redistributes LDL subfractions toward larger and lighter particles. These dietary fatty acids thus have a key role to play in providing protection against this particularly atherogenic type of LDL.