OBJECTIVE: To compare the metabolic effects of diets based on palm oil and hydrogenated fat on young rats. METHODS: Wistar female rats, during lactation, were fed diets with different lipid sources, which were also adjusted to the recommendations (American Institute of Nutrition-93) and given to the male pups from the 21rst day to the 45th day of life, when they were killed. The epididimal and perirenal adipose tissues were extracted and had their lipogenesis rates measured in vivo with ³H2O. We also measured, in the plasma, the fatty acids profile, using gas cromatography, and the triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, using enzymatic kits. RESULTS: The replacement of dietary hydrogenated fat by palma oil, increased in the plasma the proportion of araquidonic fatty acid, and decreased the proportion of linolenic essential fatty acid, as well as the levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol. The lipid contents and the epidimal and perirenal lipogenic rates increased, resulting in higher body weight and adiposity. CONCLUSION: The type of dietary fatty acid offered since the lactation period, can affect the lipid metabolism of the adipose tissue in early age, as well as the alimentary behavior and the gain of body weight, with possible repercussions on the development of non-transmissible chronic disease.
trans fatty acids; development; cholesterol; palm oil; rats; lipogenesis rate
