BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TRANS-FATTY ACIDS

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 15  (1) , 26-33
Abstract
Trans-fatty acids are geometrical isomers of the naturally occurring cis-fatty acids, and their molecular configuration is more like that of the corresponding saturated fatty acid. In view of the large amounts of trans-acids in commercially prepared margarines, metabolic studies with trans-acids have received a great deal of attention. Although there are differences in the absorption and digestion of trans-acids and although considerable amounts are deposited in various tissues, no definite signs of toxicity have been observed. An important finding is the increased requirement for essential fatty acids in animals fed high levels of trans-acids. In recent work carried out in Kummerow''s laboratory, aortic lesions were found in swine fed large amounts of trans-acids. Evaluation of the data suggests that factors other than trans-acids, per se, may have been responsible for the occurrence of the lesions. As yet, there does not seem to be any valid reason why trans-acids should be excluded from the diet as long as their intake is associated with a high enough level of essential fatty acids in the diet.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: