The study looked at the metabolic effects of stearic acid on plasma lipoproteins and cholesterol. Eleven men were fed formula diets, one high in oleic acid, one high in stearic acid, and one high in palmitic acid. These were used in random fashion in three dietary periods of three weeks each. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid. Some evidence has shown it to reduce plasma cholesterol.
Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid, which has been shown to raise blood cholesterol.
Plasma total cholesterol values were compared with those obtained when the subjects were on a high palmitic acid diet. The values decreased by an average of 14 percent while the men were on the high stearic acid diet and by 10 percent while on the high oleic acid diet. The diets were specially developed to show the maximal effects of selected fatty acids in the diet. Fatty acids exist in combination in food fats. For example, beef fat and cocoa butter contain significant amounts of stearic acid, but they also contain palmitic acid.