*The Effects of Linoleic Acid Consumption on Lipid Risk Markers for Cardiovascular Disease DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99894*

as low serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In addition, apolipoprotein A1 (associated with HDL) and apolipoprotein B (associated with LDL) have been used as CVD risk markers [18, 43]. Interestingly, LDL particle size has also been utilized as a risk marker for CVD. The small, dense LDL subclass, compared to large, buoyant LDL particles, has been reported to be more atherogenic [44–50].

Therefore, this chapter will focus on the consumption of linoleic acid on lipid risk markers for CVD in healthy individuals, such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, LDL particle size, lipoprotein(a), VLDL-C, HDL-C, apolipoprotein A1, and apolipoprotein B. The associated mechanisms of action will also be covered. The chapter will conclude with recommendations to decrease the risk factors for CVD. Significant dietary sources of linoleic acid are presented in **Tables 1** and **2**. The chemical structure of linoleic acid is illustrated in **Figure 1**.


#### **Table 1.**

*Oil sources of linoleic acid (per 100 grams) [51, 52].*


#### **Table 2.**

*Linoleic acid content in nuts and seeds (per 1 ounce or 28.3495 grams) [51, 52].*

**Figure 1.** *The chemical structure of linoleic acid [53].*
