PLASMA FATTY-ACID PROFILE AND PROOXIDATIVE-ANTIOXIDATIVE PARAMETERS IN VEGETARIANS

Fatty acid profile in plasma was examined in 12 adult vegetarians (lac to and lacto-ovo) aged 41-63 years with an average period of vegetaria n nutrition of 9.8 years. Difference in the content of saturated and m onounsaturated Fatty acids in vegetarians was insignificant (compared to non-vegetarians). Positive factor of vegetarian nutritional habit w ith respect to atherosclerosis included significantly elevated content of linoleic acid (C 18:2) and linolenic acid (C 18:3), as well as unc hanged or only slightly reduced content of polyunsaturated fatty acids - arachidonic acid (C 20:4) and docosahexaenoic acid (C 22:6, n = 3). Favourable values of prooxidative-antioxidative parameters (significa ntly reduced content of conjugated dienes of fatty acids in plasma, si gnificantly higher plasma levels of vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E/cholesterol - indicator of LDL protection and vitamin E/triacylglyce rols - indicator of fatty acid protection) demonstrated a reduced risk of lipoperoxidation in vegetarians.