METABOLIC ASPECTS OF TRANS-FATTY-ACIDS

The consumption of trans isomers of unsaturated fatty acids has been a ssociated with untoward metabolic effects. Several clinical investigat ions demonstrated that trans fatty acids increase plasma LDL-cholester ol and lipoprotein (a) and reduce HDL-cholesterol concentrations. Thes e alterations of plasma lipid profiles indicate an atherogenic effect of trans fatty acids. Both in preterm infants and in healthy children aged 1-15 years, we found blood plasma arachidonic acid (C20:4 omega-6 ) levels and the product/substrate ratios of arachidonic acid synthesi s (C20:4 omega-6/C18:2 omega-6) inversely correlated to the level of t he principal trans fatty acid, trans octadecaenoic acid (C18:1 omega-9 /7, trans), which is compatible with a dose-dependent inhibition of ar achidonic acid synthesis by trans fatty acids. Moreover, in premature infants trans fatty acids in blood plasma correlated inversely with bi rth weight in an observational study, indicating that trans fatty acid s may impair early human growth. It appears desirable to limit the die tary intake of trans fatty acids. The major dietary sources of trans f atty acids are partially hydrogenated vegetable and fish oils, Refinem ent of the industrial technology of partial hydrogenation and appropri ate food labelling may lead to a considerably decrease of human exposu re to trans fatty acids.