Cord blood lipoproteins were quantitated in 117 neonates (58 white, 50 black) to assess for potential early expression of racial lipid distinctions. In comparison of black and white neonates there were no differences in total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (C-HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (C-LDL), C-HDL/C-LDL, or C-HDL/TC. Cord blood triglycerides were slightly higher in black neonates (p = 0.02). Unlike certain adult black-white comparisons and within the limits of "genicity" as expressed by cord blood lipoproteins, there were no racial differences in C-HDL, C-LDL, and total cholesterol.