Isomeric trans fatty acids in the U.S. diet.

Abstract

Since actual consumption data for trans fatty acid (FA) intakes for the U.S. population do not exist, estimates of trans fatty acids (FAs) available in the U.S. food supply have been calculated from U.S. Department of Agriculture-Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS) fats and oils production figures and food disappearance data for fats and oils. Based on weighted averages for the trans levels in each fats and oils category, these estimates of trans FAs available in the U.S. food supply range from 12.5 to 15.2 g/person/day (average 13.3 +/- 1.1 g/person/day). Estimates of trans FA consumption have been calculated; these estimates predict a wide range from 1.6 to 38.7 g/person/day. These calculations are based on published estimates of trans FAs available in the total fat of 5-15%, and the total fat intake (range 31-258 g/person/day) of a representative sample of adults (ages 20-59) as determined by the Lipid Research Clinics (LRC). Using an equation based on a relationship between trans FAs in adipose tissue and dietary fat, an intake range of 0.7-28.7 g/person/day trans FAs for the same LRC fat consumption data can be predicted. Adipose tissue isomer profiles that indicate 90-95% of the trans FAs in the tissues comes from partially hydrogenated vegetable fats and oils allow us to predict a dietary intake range from 11.1 to 27.6 g/person/day trans FAs. The significance of these estimates to nutrition policy is discussed.

The Fatty Acid and Sterol Content of Food Composites of Middle-Aged Men in Seven Countries

“…Total trans fatty acids relative to energy agreed well with our value for the U.S. cohort: Aitchison found 1.8 g/1000 kcal, van Reek found 2.1 g/1000 kcal, and we found 2.2 g/1000 kcal. The average daily intake of trans fatty acid for the United States was estimated as 8.1 g/day (about 3.9 g/1000 kcal) by Hunter and Applewhite (1991) and as 13 g/day (about 6.3 g/1000 kcal) by Enig et al (1990), as opposed to 5.0 g/day (2.2/1000 kcal) for our sample. The estimates of Hunter and Applewhite (1991) and Enig et al (1990) were based on disappearance and market share data, respectively, which may overestimate actual intake.…”

“…The average daily intake of trans fatty acid for the United States was estimated as 8.1 g/day (about 3.9 g/1000 kcal) by Hunter and Applewhite (1991) and as 13 g/day (about 6.3 g/1000 kcal) by Enig et al (1990), as opposed to 5.0 g/day (2.2/1000 kcal) for our sample. The estimates of Hunter and Applewhite (1991) and Enig et al (1990) were based on disappearance and market share data, respectively, which may overestimate actual intake. Also, trans fatty acid intake could have risen between the 1960s and the 1980s as margarines replaced butter in the diet; margarines free from trans were available at that time in Europe (Katan, 1994), but not in the United States.…”

Recommendations for the nutritional management of patients with diabetes mellitus

“…Most are formed during partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils to produce margarine and vegetable shortening and can comprise up to 40% of fat in some foods, particularly baked goods and pastries (Enig et al, 1990). Trans-fatty acid isomers have biological effects similar to saturated fatty acids, and replacement of naturally occurring cis-forms with trans-isomers in body fat has been associated with increases in LDL cholesterol (Mensink et al, 1990;.…”

Cell Membrane Trans -Fatty Acids and the Risk of Primary Cardiac Arrest

“…11,12 Trans-fatty acids differ from most naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids by the presence of one or more double bonds in the trans configuration instead of the usual cis configuration. Like saturated fatty acids, fatty acids with trans double bonds pack more tightly than cis fatty acids, allowing the processing of oils into margarine.…”