Parameters of lipid metabolism (triacylglycerols TG, cholesterol CH, HDL-CH, LDL-CH, atherogenic index AI. profile of fatty acids) were measured in blood samples of 81 healthy lacto and lacto-ovo vegetarians (42 males. 39 females; age range 19-39 years). The average period of being on a vegetarian diet was 6.2 years. Low levels of TG. CH. LDL-CH, A1 and HDL-CH values on the borderline between standard and reduced risk (1.4 mmol . I-') can be considered as favourable from the atherosclerosis prevention aspect. Compared with non-vegetarians (n = 62). the levels of TG, CH, LDL-CH, and A l are significantly reduced in the vegetarian group. As opposed to non-vegetarians, vegetarians showed a higher total sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids, a significantly higher content of linoleic acid (C 18:2) and linolenic acid (C 18: 3). unchanged content of oleic acid (C 18 : I). stearic acid (C I8 : 0) and other polyunsaturated fatty acids. The process of lipoperoxidation (with polyunsaturated fatty acids as substrate) is involved in the etiology of cardiovascular and oncological diseases. Favourable values of prooxidative-antioxidative parameters demonstrated a reduced risk of lipoperoxidation in vegetarians, compared to non-vegetarians (significantly reduced content of conjugated dienes of fatty acids in plasma, significantly higher plasma levels of vitamin C. P-carotene, vitamin E/cholesterol ratioan indicator of LDL protection, vitamin E/triacylglycerols ratioan indicator of fatty acid protection -, selenium and glutathione-peroxidase activity).
* P < 0.05; ** P < 0.01 ; *** P < 0.001 ; ( ) Physiological values