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Trans-fatty acids in the diet: a coronary risk factor?
1Medizinische Poliklinik der Universität München, Germany.
European Journal of Medical Research
|November 17, 1995
Summary
Dietary trans-fatty acids (trans-FA) are linked to increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Research explores their impact on blood lipids and epidemiological connections, though data on lower intake levels remains limited.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Nutrition
- Lipid Metabolism
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dietary trans-fatty acids (trans-FA), from partially hydrogenated fats and dairy, are implicated in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
- Existing research focuses on trans-FA's effects on plasma lipids and epidemiological links to CHD.
- Trans-FA consistently elevate LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, similar to saturated fatty acids, and may lower HDL-cholesterol at high intakes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of dietary trans-fatty acids on plasma lipids and their epidemiological association with coronary heart disease.
- To highlight the lack of data on metabolic effects of trans-FA at lower intake levels prevalent in Europe.
- To discuss inconsistent findings regarding trans-FA and CHD risk based on adipose tissue analysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent research on trans-fatty acids (trans-FA) and their impact on plasma lipids.
- Analysis of epidemiological studies linking dietary trans-FA intake to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
- Examination of studies using adipose tissue trans-FA content to assess CHD risk, including the EURAMIC study.
Main Results:
- Trans-fatty acids (trans-FA) elevate LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, and may reduce HDL-cholesterol at intakes above 10-20 g/day.
- US epidemiological studies show a positive correlation between dietary trans-FA intake and CHD risk.
- Adipose tissue studies yielded inconsistent results; the EURAMIC study found no correlation in most European countries, but regional differences are possible.
Conclusions:
- While trans-fatty acids (trans-FA) impact plasma lipids, their epidemiological link to coronary heart disease (CHD) requires further investigation, especially at lower intake levels.
- Regional variations in trans-FA sources (e.g., vegetable vs. marine oils) might explain differing results in CHD risk association.
- The atherogenicity of trans-FA and the underlying mechanisms, particularly concerning source and composition, remain speculative and warrant further research.