IndustrialTransFatty Acid and Serum Cholesterol: The Allowable Dietary Level

Abstract

Trans fatty acid (TFA) from partially hydrogenated oil is regarded as the worst dietary fatty acid per gram due to its role in coronary heart disease. TFA consumption is decreasing worldwide, but some but not all observational studies indicate that TFA intake has little relevance to serum cholesterol levels in populations with low TFA intake (<1% E [percentage of total energy intake], <approximately 2 g/day). Few intervention trials examined the effect of TFAs on blood cholesterol at relatively low levels (<2% E); no definite evidence is available on the tolerable upper level of the intake. A series of our intervention studies in Japanese suggested that an industrial TFA intake at <1% E does not influence the serum cholesterol level. To establish allowable level, we must consider not only the dietary level of TFAs, but also the composition of dietary fats simultaneously consumed, that is, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids strengthen or counteract the adverse effect of TFAs on serum cholesterol levels. In this review we describe the complex situation of the cardiovascular effects of industrial TFAs. The relationship between dietary industrial TFAs and concentration of plasma cholesterol should be evaluated from the viewpoint of dietary patterns rather than TFAs alone.

Comparison of plasma levels of different species of trans fatty acids in Japanese male patients with acute coronary syndrome versus healthy men

“…However, some studies pointed out that the dose-response relations between TFA and lipid levels were not observed when the dietary intake of TFAs was low [9,28,29]. This is consistent with a TFA intervention study in young Japanese women, which showed no relationship between TFA and LDL-C or HDL-C [10]. The TRANSFAIR study, a cross-sectional study among middle-aged men and women in eight European countries, showed no associations between total TFA intake and LDL-C, HDL-C, or LDL-C/HDL-C ratio [30].…”

“…Although it is likely that most of TFA are of dietary origin [10], we have very recently reported that various food intake except preference drinks such as tea or coffee, was not associated with plasma TFA levels in Japanese healthy old men [32]. A meta-analysis of seven cohorts with genome-wide association studies has not identified a significant genetic control for TFA, including palmitelaidc acids, trans-C18:1 isomers, trans/trans-C18:2, and trans/cis-C18:2 isomers [33].…”

“…According to the report of the total diet study (market basket method) from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Japan, estimated daily intake of TFA in the Japanese is 0.92-0.96 g, or 0.44-0.47% of the total energy intake [9]. This is lower than the < 1% of energy target recommended by the World Health Organization [9] and is much lower than the average consumption in the Western countries [10]. It remains unclear how low intakes of TFA affect lipid levels and the development of ACS.…”

Quantitation of trans-fatty acids in human blood via isotope dilution-gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry

“…Reduction of TFA intake to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people is a major public health objective, and there are ongoing federal, state, and local activities to achieve this objective [9,10]. TFA exposure assessments to monitor the impact of these activities and their impact on lipid profiles are commonly performed using dietary questionnaires together with food composition databases to estimate intake, or through intervention studies [11]. However, little is known about lipid profiles and the actual TFA concentrations in human blood [12].…”

Secondary hyperlipidemias: etiology and pathogenesis

“…и аполипопротеина В100 (АпоВ100), а также увеличивают активность белка-переносчика эфиров ХС, отвечающего за перенос эфиров ХС с липопротеидов высокой плотности (ЛВП) на ЛНП. Это может частично объяснять механизм возникновения гиперлипидемии (преимущественно повышения уровня ХС-ЛНП и снижения уровня холестерина липопротеидов высокой плотности (ХС-ЛВП)) [8]. Ограничение потребления транс-жиров является ключевой мерой диетической профилактики сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний [1].…”