Dietary intake and plasma phospholipid concentrations of saturated, monounsaturated and <i>trans</i> fatty acids and colorectal cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort

Epidemiologic studies examining the association between specific fatty acids and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk are inconclusive. We investigated dietary estimates plasma levels of individual total saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), industrial-processed trans (iTFA), ruminant-sourced (rTFA) acids, CRC in European Prospective Investigation into Cancer Nutrition (EPIC). Baseline acid intakes were estimated 450 112 participants (6162 developed CRC, median follow-up = 15 years). In a nested case-control study, phospholipid determined by gas chromatography 433 colon cases matched controls. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) odds (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) computed using Cox conditional logistic regression, respectively. Dietary SFA (highest vs lowest quintile, HRQ5vsQ1 0.80; 95%CI:0.69-0.92), myristic (HRQ5vsQ1 0.83, 95%CI:0.74-0.93) palmitic 0.81, 95%CI:0.70-0.93) inversely associated risk. Plasma was also quartile, ORQ4vsQ1 0.51; 95%CI:0.32-0.83), whereas borderline positive found for stearic (ORQ4vsQ1 1.63; 95%CI:1.00-2.64). MUFA (per 1-SD increment, HR1-SD 0.92, 95%CI: 0.85-0.98), but not rectal (HR1-SD 1.04, 95%CI:0.95-1.15, Pheterogeneity 0.027). iTFA, particularly elaidic acid, positively 1.07, 95%CI:1.02-1.13). Our results suggest that industrial origin may be relevant to aetiology CRC. Both risk, which warrants further investigation.