The fatty acid (FA) composition of plasma phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesterol esters (STE) was determined by high resolution capillary gas-chromatography in 115 apparently healthy subjects from birth to young adulthood. After birth, percentage contributions of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid increased, whereas long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased in all FA fractions. No difference in plasma FA composition was seen between groups of children aged 1-< 5, 5-<10 and 10-<15 years, except for a decrease of total saturated FA in STE between 1-<5 years (18.5%, wt/wt) and 10-<15 years (14.5%, P < 0.005). No difference was observed for the values of boys and girls. The results on plasma lipid FA distribution in children aged 1-15 years may be used as reference values for metabolic and nutritional investigations.