The change in vegetable oil availability in different regions of the world is shown in Figure 4.4. While each country has particular varieties of oil, only certain oils are important on a global level. Among the major commercial oils, the supplies of soya bean oil have increased from 2.2 to 7.0 grams per caput per day, while the availability of sunflower oil has grown from 1.3 to 3.5 grams per caput per day. Supplies of rapeseed oil increased from 0.9 to 3.4 grams per caput per day and the availability of palm oil rose from 0.9 to 2.9 grams per caput per day. Of particular interest is the content of essential fatty acids.
Soybean oil contains less linoleic acid than sunflower seed oil.
However, both oils provide adequate amounts of linoleic acid. Fish oils do not appear as separate items in food balance sheets because they are consumed as part of the fish in many countries. Only a few countries show that significant amounts of fish oils are available. Seven countries have more than 2 grams per caput per day. Nevertheless, fat consumption remains low in these countries in comparison with developed nations.