Influence of Trans Fatty Acids on Health

Vol. 48, No. 2, 2004

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Influence of Trans Fatty Acids on Health
Steen Stender^a, Jørn Dyerberg^b

Danish Nutrition Council,
^aDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, and
^bInstitute of Human Nutrition, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark

Address of Corresponding Author

Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism 2004;48:61-66 (DOI: 10.1159/000075591)

Key Words

Trans fatty acids
Ischemic heart disease
Food safety
Heart rhythm

Abstract

The contribution of dietary trans fatty acids (TFAs) on the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) has recently gained further support due to the results from large, prospective, population-based studies. Compared to saturated fat, TFAs are, gram to gram, associated with a considerably (2.5- to >10-fold) higher risk increment for IHD. A negative effect on the human fetus and on newborns and an increase in colon cancer risk in adults are possible but, however, still equivocal. Recent findings justify further studies concerning the effect of TFAs on allergic diseases in children and on the risk of type-2 diabetes in adults. The intake of industrially produced TFAs in European countries is decreasing. However, determination of the TFA content in various popular food items collected in Danish shops showed that it is likely that persons with a frequent intake of, e.g., French fries, microwave oven popcorn, chocolate bars, fast food, etc., consume industrially produced TFAs in amounts far exceeding the average intake, and are thereby exposed to an unnecessary health risk. The Danish government has decided that oils and fats containing more than 2% industrially produced TFAs will not be sold in Denmark after the January 1, 2004.

Author Contacts

Steen Stender
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Gentofte Hospital
University of Copenhagen, Niels Andersens Vej 65
DK-2900 Hellerup (Denmark)
Tel. +45 3977 3120, Fax +45 3977 7616, E-Mail stst@gentoftehosp.kbhamt.dk

Article Information

Published online: December 16, 2003
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 52

Medline Abstract (ID 14679314)

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