Two doctors have recently written an editorial piece in the British Medical Journal (1) and have called for a ban in trans fats. In their piece the authors mention that the UK Faculty of Public Health and Royal Society for Public Health proposed that consumption of trans fatty acids (TFAs) should be virtually eliminated in the United Kingdom by next year, the doctors quote the following from that paper: “it has been proven that industrially-produced TFA can damage health,” “there is no known safe level of consumption,” “banning TFA from foods is a relatively easy way to help protect the public.”
Trans fatty acids are created through manufacture when liquid vegetable oils are hardened, to a solid or semi-solid state, via a process known as hydrogenation. (Hydrogenation is when naturally occurring cis-unsaturated double bonds are converted into trans unsaturated double bonds). The process of hydrogenation also destroys the essential short chain omega 3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid from oils (for more information about the health benefits of omega 3 fats please read through my numerous posts on the subject).
Trans fatty acids have been linked to various adverse health effects. The authors of the editorial note (1) that trans fat consumption has been linked to several cardiovascular risk factors. The trans fats are associated with lowering levels of good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and increased levels of ‘dangerous’ LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides (blood fats) and other risk factors. Heart disease, inflammation and heart attacks are all linked to consumption of trans fats. Risk occurs even at low levels of consumption. Baked goods, deep fried foods, snacks, margarines and products made with margarines are all sources of trans fats. The average consumption in developed countries is around 2-4% of total daily energy intake but some people eat as much as 5-8% of total energy intake as trans fats (1). Trans-fat are already banned in Denmark, New York, California, Switzerland and Austria. It would be good to see the UK follow the example and ban these dangerous fats.
The authors write in their editorial:“Because industrial TFAs are not part of our natural food supply, their regulation does not alter individual consumer choice, being similar to regulations that prohibit adulterated foods. With increasing supplies of alternatives, the commercial and cost advantages of partially hydrogenated oils are now small. Thus, removing industrial TFAs is one of the most straightforward public health strategies for rapid improvements in health. On the basis of current disease rates a strategy to reduce consumption of industrial TFAs by even 1% of total energy intake would be predicted to prevent 11 000 heart attacks and 7000 deaths annually in England alone”.
In a press release Libby Dowling from the charity Diabetes UK comments (2) “We always encourage people to follow a healthy, balanced diet which is low in fat, sugar and salt,” “People should also aim to eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day to help them maintain a healthy weight. The FSA has stated that current consumption of trans-fat in the UK is low and that the food industry is already being encouraged to cut down on the amount of the product they use, which we welcome.”
Looking at food labels, especially the labels on processed foods and baked goods like biscuits is a good way of checking your own consumption of these trans fats. I would suggest that avoiding any foods that contain trans fats, or hydrogenated vegetable oils in their ingredients list is a good idea for health.
(1) Mozaffarian D & Stampfer MJ. 2010. Editorials: Removing industrial trans fat from foods. A simple policy that will save lives. BMJ. 340:c1826 Published 15 April 2010, doi:10.1136/bmj.c1826
(2) Diabetes UK press release. 16 April 2010.http://www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us/News_Landing_Page/Doctors-call-for-trans-fat-ban/ Doctors call for trans-fat ban
Written by Ani Kowal
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The issue is very properly discussed in this blog.As it is mentioned in the blog that Trans fatty acids are created through manufacture when liquid vegetable oils are hardened, to a solid or semi-solid state, via a process known as hydrogenation.So the doctors are right that it should be banned in UK.As it can affect health badly.The blog is really informative.
Thank you for your kind comment, it is great to know that you are finding the blog useful. I really do hope that trans-fats are completely eliminated from food in the UK in the very near future!
Best regards
Ani
In a free western country, why should things be BANNED! the general public are not ‘stupid’ and there is proof already that the consumption of trans fatty acides has lowered, it is ethically wrong to ban substances and people are educated about their harmful effects so they do not take them.
If you ask me, there is too much being banned in this country and in Europe we may as well ban Alcohol if that’s the case! Awful future!