The role of trans fatty acids in human nutrition

The role of dietary fats and oils in human nutrition is currently one of th e key issues related to diet and health. Nutritional fats and oils contain both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, mostly of cis-configuration. Ph ysiological functions of trans fatty acids in foods, especially their possi ble role in atherosclerosis, the level of blood cholesterol, and coronary h eart disease is of concern, but still subject to controversy. Furthermore, the cancer prevention properties of conjugated linoleic acid isomers, prese nt in small quantities in typical diets, remain to be confirmed. An overvie w on the occurrence and physiological considerations of trans fatty acids i s given.