Abstract. Two groups, each of 10 subjects, have been given isocaloric diets for 21 days. The diets were identical with the exception of their fat content. One group was given 40% of the calories as soybean oil, and the other the same amount as MCT oil. Platelet and serum lipids and platelet function tests were evaluated before and after the dietary period. The platelet lipid analysis included estimation of total cholesterol and phospholipids, fractionation of phospholipids by thin layer chromatography and gas liquid chromatographic estimation of the fatty acid and aldehyde composition of the various phospholipids. Platelet function tests included platelet factor‐3 (PF‐3) activity and availability, platelet aggregation induced by collagen, ADP and thrombin and platelet electrophoresis. In subjects given a soybean oil diet a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol and phospholipids occurred. No changes were observed in the platelet cholesterol and phospholipid levels, whereas a significant increase of linoleic acid in choline, ethanolamine and serine phosphoglycerides took place. The relative increase of linoleic acid was most marked in the choline phosphoglycerides. A moderate decrease in palmitic and oleic acids was seen in most phospholipid fractions. PF‐3 activity in platelet‐rich plasma showed a consistent decrease in these subjects, whereas the other platelet function tests showed insignificant changes. In subjects given MCT oil diet no significant changes were observed in serum or platelet lipids, including the phospholipid fatty acids. Increased PF‐3 activity in platelet‐rich plasma exposed to ADP was the only functional disturbance observed in this group.