TRANS-FATTY-ACIDS - INFANT AND FETAL DEVELOPMENT

This review evaluates scientific data associated with the possibility that trans fatty acids compromise fetal and infant early development. Concerns have been triggered by research that has heightened our aware ness of the importance of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids; shown that trans fa tty acids inhibit Delta 6 desaturation of linoleic acid; identified tr ans fatty acid isomers in fetal, infant, and maternal tissues; and rep orted an inverse association between the trans fatty acid content of t issue lipids and measures of growth and development. Animal studies pr ovide little evidence that trans fatty acids influence growth, reprodu ction, or gross aspects of fetal development. However, these models ma y not have been appropriate for addressing all the subtle effects that influence development of human infant retinal, neural, or brain funct ion. Human studies are hampered by the complexity of the interrelation s among nutritional, genetic, and environmental factors and by ethical considerations that constrain the research design. Existing data have not established a causal relation between trans fatty acid intake and early development. Conclusions cannot be drawn from the possible asso ciation found between trans fatty acid exposure and lower n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and growth because of confoundi ng factors. Few studies addressed the question of whether trans fatty acids adversely affect human fetal growth. One study reported a correl ation between the trans fatty acid content of plasma and birth weight of preterm infants and one study reported a relation between preterm b irths and the trans fatty acid content of maternal plasma. Limited ass ociative data have addressed whether trans fatty acids adversely affec t fetal and infant neurodevelopment and growth. The interpretation of existing research and development of recommendations should be done ca utiously. Suggestions for research to clarify these issues are made.