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Trans-fatty acids and cardiovascular risk: does origin matter?
Christine Dawczynski1,2, Stefan Lorkowski1,2
1a Institute of Nutrition , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Jena , Germany.
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|June 14, 2016
Summary
Industrially produced trans-fatty acids are harmful, leading to U.S. bans. However, some naturally occurring trans-fatty acids from ruminants may reduce disease risk, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Cardiovascular Health
- Dietary Fat Metabolism
Background:
- Dietary fatty acids play a crucial role in human health and disease.
- Industrial trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) from partially hydrogenated oils are linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- Regulatory actions, such as the U.S. FDA ban on partially hydrogenated oils, reflect the established risks of iTFAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the health effects of different dietary fatty acids.
- To differentiate the health impacts of industrial vs. ruminant trans-fatty acids.
- To explore future research directions in trans-fatty acid and health studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific investigations.
- Analysis of epidemiological studies associating circulating trans-fatty acids with disease incidence.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on dietary fatty acid contributions to health.
Main Results:
- High intake of industrial trans-fatty acids is definitively linked to poor cardiovascular health.
- Emerging evidence suggests certain ruminant-specific trans-fatty acids may be associated with reduced disease risk.
- A distinction in health effects exists between different sources and types of trans-fatty acids.
Conclusions:
- The health impacts of trans-fatty acids are source-dependent, necessitating nuanced dietary recommendations.
- Further research is crucial to fully understand the role of ruminant trans-fatty acids in human health.
- Regulatory and dietary guidelines should consider the specific types of trans-fatty acids.
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