Fatty acids: a role for Africa?

Health effects of fatty acids have been very controversial. Total mortality is inversely associated with the amount of total fat consumed. In contrast, trans fatty acids or SFA intake is positively related to mortality while the inverse is observed with consumption of MUFA or PUFA. Among PUFA, long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFA have many beneficial effects. Dietary intake of some types of fatty acids is specific to Africa. Energy from saturated fat does not exceed 14% and energy from n-6 PUFA does not exceed 8% of total energy intake. Dietary intake of LC n-3 PUFA is less than 100 mg/d whereas international recommendations promote 250-500 mg/d. Consumption of plant n-3 PUFA mainly α-linolenic acid (ALA) is highly variable depending on the country. Both fish and ALA availability are low in several African countries. The prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular events remain very low in Africa, partly explained by the fact that the whole dietary pattern is globally the best of all continents. One objective of 'fat for Africa' could be to increase, as much as possible, the dietary intake of LC n-3 PUFA by promoting sustainable aquaculture and to maintain as much as possible traditional dietary pattern by preventing a tendency to westernisation, provided that the amount of energy and protein is sufficient to fight against wasting and stunting where it still exists.