Intake Of Trans Fatty Acids Research Articles

Mandatory trans fat labeling regulations and nationwide product reformulations to reduce trans fatty acid content in foods contributed to lowered concentrations of trans fat in Canadian women’s breast milk samples collected in 2009–2011

Recent efforts in Canada to reduce industrial trans fatty acids (TFAs) in foods include mandated inclusion of TFA content on food labels and recommendations by Health Canada that encourage the food industry to voluntarily limit TFA content in all vegetable oils and soft margarines and in all other prepackaged foods to <2% and <5% of total fat, respectively. To assess the impact of these efforts, we measured the concentration of TFAs in human breast milk samples. The TFA content in 639 breast milk samples collected in 2009, 2010, and 2011 from breastfeeding mothers in 10 major cities across Canada was analyzed by gas chromatography. The mean (±SD) TFA contents were 2.7 ± 0.9% (n = 153, range: 1.4-7.2%), 2.2 ± 0.7% (n = 309, range: 1.0-6.8%), and 1.9 ± 0.5% (n = 177, range: 0.9-3.4%) of total milk fat for samples collected in 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. These values are considerably lower than the value of 7.2 ± 3.0% (range: 0.1-17.2%) found previously for Canadian human milk in 1992. On the basis of a linear correlation between the percentage of TFAs in the diet and human milk fat established by Craig-Schmidt et al, and assuming that 30% of energy of a lactating mother's diet is derived from fat, we estimated from the TFA human milk fat data that TFA intake of Canadian breastfeeding mothers was 0.9%, 0.5%, and 0.3% of total energy in 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. These estimated values are lower than the WHO's maximum recommended intake of 1% of total energy for a healthy diet. The results suggest that the trans fat labeling regulations introduced in 2003 and recommendations by Health Canada in 2007 instructing the food manufacturers and restaurants to limit TFAs in foods have resulted in significant reductions in TFAs in the diets of Canadian breastfeeding mothers and their breast milk.

Fatty acid profile of biscuits and salty snacks consumed by Brazilian college students

High levels of biscuit and salty snack consumption have an effect on human health. This aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid (FA) composition of 19 different biscuits and 10 types of salty snacks by gas chromatography. Palmitic acid was predominant in 79% of biscuits and represented more than 55% of the total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in salty snacks. Low concentrations of trans fatty acids were observed in biscuits (0.86% of total FAs), and the highest values were observed in salty snacks (7.94% of total FAs). The results indicate a high daily intake of SFAs and trans fatty acids, which may have an unfavourable effect on health. Changes in dietary habits and appropriate food choices by students are strongly recommended to prevent the risk of chronic disease. Furthermore, knowledge of the FA profile of food can help to establish health programs targeted to this population.

Health and nutrition update on trans fatty acids

This article covers four topics related to current health and nutrition aspects of dietary trans fatty acids (TFA): (1) current dietary guidelines for TFA; (2) an updated exposure estimate to industrially‐produced TFA; (3) a consideration of effects of TFA from ruminant sources; and (4) a discussion of effects of substituting stearic acid (STA) for TFA. Health professional organizations recommend that intake of TFA from industrial sources be as low as possible. Doell and coworkers have reported a substantial reduction in exposure to industrially‐produced TFA in the US from 4.6 g/person/day in 2003 to 1.0 g/person/day currently. Brouwer et al. have concluded that all TFA, whether from animal or industrial sources, raise the ratio of plasma LDL‐ to HDL‐cholesterol. Studies involving one‐to‐one substitution of STA for TFAs have shown a decrease or no effect on LDL‐cholesterol concentration and an increase or no effect on HDL‐cholesterol concentration. Overall, during the last 10 or more years, there has been a major reduction in TFA levels in the U.S. food supply, and efforts continue to reduce these levels further.

Trans fatty acid content in Malaysian supermarket foods: a field-to-laboratory approach in assessing food risk

The extent of industrial trans fatty acids (TFA) in the food supply is unknown in Malaysia, whilst TFA disclosure on food labels is not mandatory by Malaysian food standards. Supermarket foods such as dairy products, fats and oils, meat products, snack foods, soups, and confectionery are commonly cited to be major contributors of TFA in the diet. A consumer survey (n = 622) was used to develop a food listing of these ‘high risk’ foods. TFA content of high-risk foods were analysed by gas chromatography. Food samples (n = 158) were analysed and their total TFA content were compared with Malaysian Food Standards. A wide variation in TFA content within food categories was indicated. Of the foods containing TFA, many food labels did not cite TFA content or the use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO) as an ingredient. Hypothesised estimates of TFA intake from these supermarket foods in a sample day’s menu providing 2000 kcal projected a minimum intake of 0.5 g and a maximum intake of 5.2 g TFA. This study found there was no voluntary disclosure of TFA content on food labels or identifying PHVO as an ingredient. It appears that health education targeting consumers to minimise TFA consumption is required supported by mandatory PHVO disclosure on the food label.

Impact of CPAP on activity patterns and diet in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Patients with severe OSA consume greater amounts of cholesterol, protein, and fat as well as have greater caloric expenditure. However, it is not known whether their activity levels or diet change after treatment with CPAP. To investigate this issue, serial assessments of activity and dietary intake were performed in the Apnea Positive Pressure Long-term Efficacy Study (APPLES); a 6-month randomized controlled study of CPAP vs. sham CPAP on neurocognitive outcomes. Subjects were recruited into APPLES at 5 sites through clinic encounters or public advertisement. After undergoing a diagnostic polysomnogram, subjects were randomized to CPAP or sham if their AHI was ≥ 10. Adherence was assessed using data cards from the devices. At the Tucson and Walla Walla sites, subjects were asked to complete validated activity and food frequency questionnaires at baseline and their 4-month visit. Activity and diet data were available at baseline and after 4 months treatment with CPAP or sham in up to 231 subjects (117 CPAP, 114 Sham). Mean age, AHI, BMI, and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) for this cohort were 55 ± 13 [SD] years, 44 ± 27 /h, 33 ± 7.8 kg/m(2), and 10 ± 4, respectively. The participants lacking activity and diet data were younger, had lower AHI and arousal index, and had better sleep efficiency (p < 0.05). The BMI was higher among women in both CPAP and Sham groups. However, compared to women, men had higher AHI only in the CPAP group (50 vs. 34). Similarly, the arousal index was higher among men in CPAP group. Level of adherence defined as hours of device usage per night at 4 months was significantly higher among men in CPAP group (4.0 ± 2.9 vs. 2.6 ± 2.6). No changes in consumption of total calories, protein, carbohydrate or fat were noted after 4 months. Except for a modest increase in recreational activity in women (268 ± 85 vs. 170 ± 47 calories, p < 0.05), there also were no changes in activity patterns. Except for a modest increase in recreational activity in women, OSA patients treated with CPAP do not substantially change their diet or physical activity habits after treatment. .

Intake of trans fat and incidence of stroke in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort

Whether elevated intakes of trans fatty acids (TFAs) increase the risk of stroke remains unclear. Except for the Women's Health Initiative-Observational Study, most studies that directly assessed the association between TFA intake and stroke yielded null results. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between TFA intake and stroke incidence. We prospectively investigated the association between TFA intake and stroke incidence in black and white men and women (n = 17,107) from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. Participants were recruited between 2003 and 2007 from the continental United States and followed for incident stroke. Diet was assessed by using the Block 1998 food-frequency questionnaire. Cox regression was used to test whether energy-adjusted TFA intake in 1-SD increments was associated with incident stroke. During a median follow-up of 7 y, 479 strokes were identified, including 401 ischemic strokes. Sex modified the association between TFA intake and stroke (P-interaction = 0.06), and thus the results were stratified by sex. In fully adjusted models, a 1-SD (2-g/d) increase in TFA intake was associated with an increased risk of any stroke in men (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.28) but not in women (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.11). Similarly, our results showed an increased risk of ischemic stroke in men (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.28) but not in women (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.12). We show that sex modifies the association between TFA intake and stroke; for every 2-g/d increase in TFA intake, there was a 14% increase in the risk of stroke in men but not in women. Our findings provide further evidence to support the concerted effort to minimize TFAs in the diet.

Intake of trans fats; situation in Spain

Current nutritional recommendations include decreasing the intake of trans fatty acids (TFA), since there exists sufficient scientific evidence of its influence to cardiovascular disease. During the last decades, in many European countries the TFA intake has considerably decreased through the established legislation and changes in the technological processes developed by the food industry. In Spain, just 2.1 g/day, a 0.7% of the daily energy intake comes from TFA, a lower value than the recommended maximum (<1%), according to data from TRANSFAIR study. The TFA content of processed products such as margarines, factory-baked goods and etc, has declined over recent years and is less than 1% in more than 90% of all these products in Spain. However, it is necessary to develop and implement regulations, governing the TFA content in the products sold in our country, in which there should be the requirement to include this information in the label too.

Consumption of trans fatty acids among teenagers living in an urban area in Japan (624.30)

Consumption of trans fatty acids (TFA) among teenagers living in an urban area in Japan Kazuko Yoshizawa1 and Shinobu Isshiki2 1University of Nagasaki, Sieold, 2Sugiyama Jogakuen University Background and objective WHO recommends that the average intake level is less than 1% of the total energy intake. It is said that the intake level of TFA is higher among younger generations than that of average adults therefore the younger people are at higher risk than adult people. The objective of this study is to estimate average intake levels of TFA from foods among teenagers living in an urban area. Method In 2011 two kinds of food‐frequency questionnaires (FFQ) were disseminated to 350 female senior high school students living in a city and 154 answered them. The former FFQ with 140 food items was validated while the latter one with 25 food items was not. The 25 foods focused on fast foods including hamburgers and French fries of global and domestic fast food restaurants, and also snacks which are popular among female students. The participants were asked “food intake levels on the average over the past year”. Individual intake of TFA was calculated by use of values obtained from the Japanese Food Composition Table. For those foods not found in the Table were analyzed to obtain their nutrient values at a private research laboratory. Results The average energy intake was 1908 kcal. The average TFA intake level with milk consumption was 0.56g/day while the level without milk was 0.42g/day. A few percent of the participants consumed greater than 1.5g/day. Average energy intake level from TFA among this study population was 0.20% which is lower than 1%. Conclusion The average energy intake from TFA of this population is less than the level which is recommended by WHO: however the level should be underestimated due to the limited number of food items of the Japanese Food Composition Table and the design of FFQ. Acknowledgments Haruko Tashiro, Chiho Takeda, Mao Koike, Miho Inagaki, and Tomoko Iwata of Sugiyama Jogakuen University.Grant Funding Source: Sugiyama Jogakuen University Gakuen Kenkyu‐hi B

Trans fatty acid intake is inversely related to total sperm count in young healthy men

Trans fatty acid intake is inversely related to total sperm count in young healthy men

Abstract P069: Quantifying the UK Benefits of reducing dietary trans fats: Modelling study

Introduction: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) disease remains a leading cause of UK mortality, generating a large and unequal burden of disease. Dietary trans-fats represent a powerful CHD risk factor. However, UK efforts to reduce the dietary intake of trans-fats (currently 1% of daily energy) have been limited in comparison with some other nations. Furthermore, quantifying the potential outcomes of such measures, and the effects on health inequalities has rarely been researched. We therefore modelled the effect of specific reductions in trans fatty acid (TFA) intake on CHD mortality, CHD related admissions and its effect on socioeconomic inequalities up to 2030. Methods: We extended the previously validated IMPACT model, to estimate the potential effects of reductions in TFA intake by 1% and 0.5% of daily energy upon the England and Wales population aged 25 years and above. We stratified these estimates by age, sex and Socioeconomic circumstances(SEC). We estimated a reduction in expected CHD deaths in 2030 attributable to a modest reduction in TF intake (-0.5% energy) and a complete ban (-1% energy). Main output measures were deaths prevented or postponed (DPP), life years gained (LYGs) and hospital admissions. Results: Reducing trans-fat consumption in the English and Welsh population by 1% of daily energy intake would result in approximately 3,900 fewer deaths per year; 10,000 fewer hospital admissions; and 37,000 additional life years. Smaller TFA reductions of 0.5% would yield approximately 1,900 fewer deaths, 5,000 fewer hospital admissions, and gain approximately 18,000 life years. Further, reducing trans-fats consumption to 0.5% across all SECs would reduce health inequalities. Three times as many DPPs and LYGs would be observed in the most deprived compared with the most affluent groups. Conclusions: Reducing dietary trans-fat intakes could substantially decrease CHD mortality and hospital admissions, gaining thousands of life years. Crucially, this policy could also reduce health inequalities. Strategies should therefore aim to achieve the lowest possible trans-fats intakes, as successfully achieved in many other European countries. However, such policies currently remain underused in the UK, generating an avoidable and unequal burden on the health services and on society.

Abstract P417: Trans Fatty Acids in Serum are not Associated with Weight Gain in School-age Children

Introduction: Childhood obesity is an independent predictor of later life obesity and cardiovascular disease risk. Yet, the biological processes that underlie excess weight gain among children are not well understood. There is some evidence that long-term intake of trans fatty acids may be associated with weight gain in animal and human studies. Higher intake of fast foods, which are rich in trans fatty acids, has been linked to overweight status among school-age children. However, the specific effects of trans fatty acids are unknown. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that trans fatty acids will be associated with faster weight gain during school years. Methods: We quantified trans fatty acids by gas-liquid chromatography in serum samples of 668 children aged 5-12 y at the time of recruitment into an ongoing cohort study carried out in Bogota (Colombia) since 2006. Serum levels of 16:1, 18:1, 18:2 and total trans fatty acids were used as biomarkers of intake. Anthropometric characteristics were measured periodically for a median of 30 months. BMI-for-age Z-scores (BAZ) were calculated with the use of the World Health Organization reference. We estimated mean change in BAZ over follow-up according to quartiles of each trans fatty acid at baseline using mixed effects regression models with restricted cubic splines. Results: Mean ± SD 16:1, 18:1, 18:2, and total trans fatty acids, as % of total serum fatty acids, were 0.21 ± 0.06, 0.86 ± 0.36, 0.92 ± 0.27, and 1.99 ± 0.59, respectively. None of them were associated with change in BAZ after adjusting for sex, baseline age, and socioeconomic status. Analyses stratified by sex yielded similar null results. Conclusions: Biomarkers of trans fatty acid intake were not associated with weight gain in school-age children. It is possible that there is not enough variability in the range of intake for this population to detect associations. Alternatively, the potential harmful effects of trans fatty acids may not become apparent until adulthood after long-term cumulative exposure.

Abstract P363: Evaluation of Health and Economic Impact of the Current Policy to Eliminate Industrial Trans Fats from Processed Foods in Argentina by 2014

Objectives: Industrial trans fatty acids (TFA) increase CHD risk, but use remains high in developing nations. From 2004-2014, Argentina initiated policies to reduce industrial TFA: voluntary agreements with industry in 2004, mandatory labeling in 2006, and elimination by Food Code by 2014. We aimed to evaluate the policy’s impact on CHD, DALYs and costs. Methods: A review of diet trials, local studies, and consultations with experts was performed to estimate baseline TFA intake in 2004 and types of replacements used by industry from 2004-2014. We built an epidemiological simulation model calculating 3 scenarios to estimate effects of isocaloric replacement of TFA with alternative fats/oils, based on (1) changes in the total:HDL-C ratio (Δ TC/HDL) and (2) changes in other risk biomarkers, and the predicted effects of these biomarker changes on CHD; and (3) observed associations of TFA which CHD events in prospective studies, which may better account for pleiotrophic effects. We used Framingham risk equations to estimate first CHD events with vs. without the policy according to individual age-sex-risk factor distributions (including ΔTC/HDL), utilizing an Argentine population-based sample of 4,000 adults weighted to the full population. Results: After 2014, this policy would prevent each year from 1.3% (based on Δ TC/HDL only; to 7.4% (based on pleiotrophic effects) of all CHD events in Argentina (Table). Accounting for intervention costs and averted events, the policy is actually cost-saving. Conclusions: This is the first model evaluating the impact of an actual policy for eliminating TFA in a developing country. Given the 165,000 annual CHD events in Argentina, at an annual incidence rate of almost 1% in adults, near elimination of industrial TFA might avert under the most conservative assumptions, 1.3% of CHD and saved $36 million. In other low-resource settings, where TFA intake is higher, these effects could be larger. Our findings inform policy makers in Argentina and other developing countries on the huge impact of this policy

Formation of trans fatty acids during the frying of chicken fillet in corn oil

To assess effects of heated edible oils on intake of trans fatty acids (TFAs); the formation of TFAs in cooking conditions was investigated by a frying system model, in which chicken fillet was fried in a commercial corn oil at 170 °C, for 12 frying cycles. The main TFAs detected in chicken fillet were trans C18:2 fatty acids (FAs) and trans C18:3 FAs, which exhibited no significant differences among the frying cycles. Besides, the content of trans C18:1 FAs were very low in all samples on different frying cycles. The intake of TFAs was estimated to be 0.06 g/100 g when chicken fillet fried in this process was consumed. These results suggest that an ordinary frying process upon a commercial corn oil has little impact on the daily TFAs intake.

Oligofructose supplementation during pregnancy and lactation impairs offspring development and alters the intestinal properties of 21-d-old pups

BackgroundPreviously, we showed that the intake of trans fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation triggers a pro-inflammatory status in the offspring. On the other hand, prebiotics can alter the intestinal environment, reducing serum lipopolysaccharides (LPS) concentrations. This study evaluated the effect of the oligofructose 10% diet supplementation in the presence or absence of hydrogenated vegetable fat during pregnancy and lactation on the development, endotoxemia and bacterial composition of 21-d-old offspring.MethodsOn the first day of pregnancy rats were divided into four groups: control diet (C), control diet supplemented with 10% oligofructose (CF), diet enriched with hydrogenated vegetable fat, rich in TFA (T) or diet enriched with hydrogenated vegetable fat supplemented with 10% oligofructose (TF). Diets were maintained during pregnancy and lactation. At birth, 7th, 14th and 21th, pups were weighed and length was measured. Serum concentrations of LPS and free fatty acids (FFA) were performed by specific kits. Bacterial DNA present in faeces was determined by real-time PCR. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean and the statistical analysis was realized by ANOVA two-way and ANOVA for repeated measures. p < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsWe observed that the oligofructose (10%) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation reduced body weight, body weight gain, length and serum FFA in the CF and TF group compared to C and T group respectively, of the 21-day-old offspring, accompanied by an increase in serum LPS and genomic DNA levels of lactobacillus spp. on faeces of the CF group in relation to C group.ConclusionIn conclusion, dam’s diet supplementation with 10% of oligofructose during pregnancy and lactation, independent of addition with hydrogenated vegetable fat, harms the offspring development, alters the bacterial composition and increases the serum concentrations of lipopolysaccharides in 21d-old pups.

Trans fatty acid intake is inversely related to total sperm count in young healthy men

Is intake of fatty acids related to semen quality among young men? The intake of trans fatty acids is inversely related to total sperm count in healthy young men. Spain has seen an increase in the proportion of calories consumed as fat over the same period that a downward trend in semen quality has been observed. In addition, rodent models suggest that trans fat intake may severely affect testicular function. Cross-sectional study of 209 men recruited between October 2010 and November 2011. A group of 209 healthy young university students 18-23 years of age provided a semen sample and completed a previously validated food frequency questionnaire. The association between intake of fatty acids with semen quality parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology and total count) was assessed using multivariate linear regression. Trans fatty acid intake was inversely related to total sperm count after adjusting for potential confounders (P, trend = 0.03). The multivariate adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) total sperm count in increasing quartiles of trans fat intake was 144 (110-190), 113 (87-148), 100 (18-130) and 89 (69-117). There also was an inverse association between cholesterol intake and ejaculate volume (P, trend = 0.04). No other statistically significant relations were observed. The cross-sectional design of the study limits causal inference, we cannot exclude the possibility of unmeasured confounding and there was insufficient statistical power to identify modest associations. The results of this study, together with previous experimental work in rodents and biomarker studies among infertility patients, suggest that intake of trans fatty acids may be related to lower semen quality. Although the data provide further evidence that diet is a modifiable factor that could impact male fertility, it is not known whether the observed differences in sperm count translate into differences in fertility. This work was supported by The Seneca Foundation, Regional Agency of Science and Technology, grant no 00694/PI/04, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (FIS), grant no PI10/00985, and grant P30 DK46200 from the National Institutes of Health. The authors have no competing interests to declare.

Effect of conventional heat treatment on fatty acid profile of different edible oils using gas chromatography

The adverse effect of excess intake of trans-fatty acids on human health, mainly on cardiovascular system is a growing concern worldwide. Edible oils, which are a part of human diet have shown significant changes in the quantity of trans-fat while giving the heat treatment (cooking or multiple cooking). During the process of cooking, oxidation degrades the organoleptic quality of oils and reduces their nutritional value. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate any change that occurs on fatty acid composition, while giving heat treatment to the edible oils. Soybean, Olive, Almond and Rice bran oils were investigated in this study by giving heat treatment up to their respective boiling points for 0, 15, 30 and 60 minutes respectively. The results showed that among all oils tested, Rice bran, Olive and Almond oil showed an increase in trans-fat (2.05, 1.13 and 1.11%), while Soybean oil showed no changes in trans fat content for heat treatment of 60 minutes respectively.

Trans fatty acid content in foods marketed in the community of Madrid(Spain)

As a consequence of the scientific evidence which show that the high consumption of trans fatty acids is a risk factor of certain illnesses, sanitary authorities recommend less than 1% intake of trans fatty acids of the total energy intake. Moreover, the European Commission must present, by December 2014, a report about the presence of trans fatty acids in the aliments as well as in the diet of the European Union population. Thus, this study can provide useful information to reach this objective. To determine trans fatty acid presence in some types of foods in the Community of Madrid. 170 samples of different foods commonly consumed by children and adolescents were selected and analized. All foods had been purchased in big shopping centers in the Community of Madrid during february of 2010. Results are shown as the percentage of each fatty acid compared to the total amount of fat in the aliment. Only 33 products (19.4%) showed the presence of trans fatty acids over the method detection limit (≥ 0.1g per 100g). The highest levels were found in dairy products, with an average content of 0,4%. DISCUSIÓN/CONCLUSIONES: The trans fatty acid content of the analyzed foods can be considered low, compared with the amount reported by other authors in food products marketed in Spain and other countries in the past few years. Further studies should be undertaken to control nutrition security and diet quality of fat intake in the Spanish population, particularly among children and adolescents.

日本人成人女性におけるトランス脂肪酸摂取量の現状

日本人成人女性におけるトランス脂肪酸摂取量の現状

Jussara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation modulates the gene and protein expression of inflammation biomarkers induced by trans-fatty acids in the colon of offspring.

Maternal intake of trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in the perinatal period triggers a proinflammatory state in offspring. Anthocyanins contained in fruit are promising modulators of inflammation. This study investigated the effect of Jussara supplementation in the maternal diet on the proinflammatory state of the colon in offspring exposed to perinatal TFAs. On the first day of pregnancy rats were divided into four groups: control diet (C), control diet with 0.5% Jussara supplementation (CJ), diet enriched with hydrogenated vegetable fat, rich in TFAs (T), or T diet supplemented with 0.5% Jussara (TJ) during pregnancy and lactation. We showed that Jussara supplementation in maternal diet (CJ and TJ groups) reduced carcass lipid/protein ratios, serum lipids, glucose, IL-6, TNF-α, gene expression of IL-6R, TNF-αR (P < 0.05), TLR-4 (P < 0.01), and increase Lactobacillus spp. (P < 0.05) in the colon of offspring compared to the T group. The IL-10 (P = 0.035) and IL-10/TNF-α ratio (P < 0.01) was higher in the CJ group than in the T group. The 0.5% Jussara supplementation reverses the adverse effects of perinatal TFAs, improving lipid profiles, glucose levels, body composition, and gut microbiota and reducing low-grade inflammation in the colon of 21-day-old offspring, and could contribute to reducing chronic disease development.

Adipose tissuetrans-fatty acids and changes in body weight and waist circumference

Previous studies have suggested that the intake of trans-fatty acids (TFA) plays a role in the development of obesity. The proportions of adipose tissue fatty acids not synthesised endogenously in humans, such as TFA, usually correlate well with the dietary intake. Hence, the use of these biomarkers may provide a more accurate measure of habitual TFA intake than that obtained with dietary questionnaires. The objective of the present study was to investigate the associations between the proportions of specific TFA in adipose tissue and subsequent changes in weight and waist circumference (WC). The relative content of fatty acids in adipose tissue biopsies from a random sample of 996 men and women aged 50-64 years drawn from a Danish cohort study was determined by GC. Baseline data on weight, WC and potential confounders were available together with information on weight and WC 5 years after enrolment. The exposure measures were total trans-octadecenoic acids (18:1t), 18:1 Δ6-10t, vaccenic acid (18:1 Δ11t) and rumenic acid (18:2 Δ9c, 11t). Data were analysed using multiple regression with cubic spline modelling. The median proportion of total adipose tissue 18:1t was 1.52% (90% central range 0.98, 2.19) in men and 1.47% (1.01, 2.19) in women. No significant associations were observed between the proportions of total 18:1t, 18:1 Δ6-10t, vaccenic acid or rumenic acid and changes in weight or WC. The present study suggests that the proportions of specific TFA in adipose tissue are not associated with subsequent changes in weight or WC within the exposure range observed in this population.