Comments on the effects of dietary trans-fatty acids in humans

Papers presented at this Workshop report clues which suggest further research on the role of dietary fat in the etiology of some forms of cancer. The research has not yet yielded information which can be used to make responsible dietary recommendations to the public. The suggestion that dietary animal fats are associated with "fat-related" cancers is not well documented. Virtually all of the increase in fat consumption in the United States during the 20th century has been due to vegetable fats. Many of these vegetable oils are partially hydrogenated, resulting in the accumulation of significant amounts of trans-fatty acids in such products as margarines and shortenings. It is suggested that more research attention should be given to the effects of dietary trans-fatty acids on animal physiology.