Chandra’s research is a part of the Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 Study (ACE 1950). This cohort study was performed between 2012 and 2015, and includes 3,706 women and men born in 1950 and living in Akershus County.

(1) Middle-aged men and women with higher levels of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have lower levels of several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including triglycerides, body mass index, C-reactive protein and LDL-cholesterol. Moreover, HDL-cholesterol is higher in persons with higher levels of marine omega-3 fatty acids. In persons with diabetes, high levels are also associated with lower glycated hemoglobin.

Those with higher levels of marine omega-3 fatty acids generally were more physically active, smoked less and had higher education than those with lower levels.

(2) Also linoleic acid levels are linked to cardivascular risk factors: The higher levels, the lower triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and fasting plasma glucose. High levels are also associated with better renal function.

(3) Levels of industrially produced trans fatty acids are low in blood samples from middle-aged Norwegian men and women, and current intake does not constitute a threat to cardiovascular health. Still, higher levels are linked to significantly higher levels of triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, body mass index, blood pressure and C-reactive protein.

Higher levels of ruminant trans fatty acids are, on the other hand, linked to more favorable levels of cardiovascular risk factors. Non-smokers with higher education and lower alcohol consumption generally have higher than average levels of industrially produced trans fatty acid in plasma.