Dietary fats and platelet function in French and Scottish farmers

Epidemiological studies of Scottish and French farmers indicate that dietary intakes of saturated fats had a greater effect on blood platelets than on blood lipids. Platelet function was the only blood parameter to correlate with saturated fat intake; a negative correlation with calcium intake was also observed. The data suggest that blood platelets may link environmental factors (diet, hard water) to risk of coronary heart disease, via their role in thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Platelet function might be improved by increasing polyunsaturated, and decreasing saturated fat, intakes. Regional differences in platelet function in both France and Scotland were related to the incidence of coronary heart disease in these 2 countries. (nzm)