Trans fatty acids, cardiovascular health, and policy implications

Abstract

Consumption of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (TFA) is associated with substantial risk of coronary heart disease, and possibly diabetes and sudden cardiac death. TFA intake has adverse effects on multiple lipid and nonlipid risk pathways (Fig. 1), with an overall constellation of effects that is unique among dietary fats (Fig. 2). Both individual-level and policy-level initiatives to reduce the global consumption of industrial TFA intake should be a priority (Table 1).