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Trans fatty acids and cardiovascular disease-epidemiological data
1Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. wwillett@hsph.harvard.edu
Atherosclerosis. Supplements
|May 23, 2006
Summary
Trans fatty acids (TFA) significantly increase coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, more than saturated fats. Recent studies reveal TFA
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Nutritional Science
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Epidemiologic studies consistently link trans fatty acids (TFA) to increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
- The association between TFA and CHD appears stronger than predicted by their effects on LDL and HDL cholesterol levels alone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of trans fatty acids (TFA) in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
- To reconcile the strong epidemiologic evidence for TFA's role in CHD with observed lipid profile changes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of prospective epidemiologic studies and case-control studies.
- Examination of adipose tissue for trans fatty acid content.
- Review of recent metabolic studies investigating TFA's impact on inflammatory markers and insulin resistance.
Main Results:
- Prospective and case-control studies confirm a significant association between TFA intake and elevated CHD risk.
- The observed CHD risk from TFA consumption exceeds that explained by changes in LDL and HDL cholesterol.
- Metabolic studies demonstrate that TFA negatively influence inflammatory factors and insulin resistance indicators.
Conclusions:
- Trans fatty acids play a major role in coronary heart disease etiology.
- The impact of TFA on inflammation and insulin resistance helps explain their potent effect on CHD risk, beyond lipid changes.
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