Levels Of Trans Fatty Acids Research Articles

Nutrient Composition of Popularly Consumed African and Caribbean Foods in The UK.

(1) Background: Traditional foods are important in the diets of Black Africans and Caribbeans and, more widely, influence UK food culture. However, little is known about the nutritional status of these ethnic groups and the nutrient composition of their traditional foods. The aim was to identify and analyse African and Caribbean dishes, snacks and beverages popularly consumed in the UK for energy, macronutrients and micronutrients. (2) Methods: Various approaches including focus group discussions and 24-h dietary recalls were used to identify traditional dishes, snacks, and beverages. Defined criteria were used to prioritise and prepare 33 composite samples for nutrient analysis in a UK accredited laboratory. Quality assurance procedures and data verification were undertaken to ensure inclusion in the UK nutrient database. (3) Results: Energy content ranged from 60 kcal in Malta drink to 619 kcal in the shito sauce. Sucrose levels did not exceed the UK recommendation for adults and children. Most of the dishes contained negligible levels of trans fatty acid. The most abundant minerals were Na, K, Ca, Cu, Mn and Se whereas Mg, P, Fe and Zn were present in small amounts. (4) Conclusion: There was wide variation in the energy, macro- and micronutrients composition of the foods analysed.

The use of coupled gas chromatography columns for the determination of individual isomers of trans fatty acids in the adipose tissue of vegans

The profile of fatty acids including detailed analysis of positional trans and cis isomers of octadecenoic acid in subcutaneous fat (adipose) tissue was determined on two polar 100-m SLB-IL111 and SP-2560 columns joined by a connector, with hydrogen carrier gas at a flow rate of 1.7 cm3/min and injection of the 1.0 mm3 of derivatised sample with split of 100:1. The separation time was 160 min, with determination of 62 fatty acids, 13 of which were trans isomers. An epidemiological study demonstrated a lower level of trans fatty acids in vegans; the sum of trans fatty acids in vegans equaled 4.6 mg/g of adipose tissue, while that for the control group of omnivores was 7.7 mg/g. In contrast, the level of beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids in vegans was 201.8 mg/g, compared to 103.3 mg/g in omnivores.

Trans Fatty Acid Biomarkers and Incident Type 2 Diabetes: Pooled Analysis from 10 Prospective Cohort Studies in the Fatty Acids and Outcome Research Consortium (FORCE) (OR33-02-19)

ObjectivesTo assess prospective association between circulating biomarkers of individual trans fatty acids (TFAs) and incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) in diverse populations. MethodsA harmonized analysis of individual level data was conducted for TFA biomarkers and incident T2D by pooling ten prospective cohort or nested-case-control studies from five countries (Australia, Germany, Iceland, UK, and USA). Fatty acids (FAs) were measured in plasma phospholipid, red blood cell membrane phospholipid, or total plasma collected between 1990–2008 from 22,711 participants aged ≥18 years without prevalent diabetes. Evaluated TFAs included trans-16:1n-9, sum of trans-18:1 isomers (trans-18:1n6 to trans-18:1n12), sum of trans-18:2 isomers (cis/trans-18:2, trans/cis-18:2, trans/trans-18:2), and individual trans-18:2 isomers. The multivariable-adjusted relative risk or odds ratio was estimated in each cohort by lipid compartments using a pre-specified protocol for definitions of exposures, covariates, and outcomes for statistical analysis. Association estimates were pooled using fixed-effects inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis. ResultsDuring an average maximum of 14 years of follow-up, 2244 cases of incident T2D were identified. Median levels of TFAs across cohorts were 0.05–0.18% total FAs for trans-16:1n-9, 0.09–2.05% for total trans-18:1, 0.10–0.73% for total trans-18:2, and 0.01–0.36% for individual trans-18:2 isomers. In overall pooled analysis, TFAs evaluated per inter-quintile range were not significantly associated with risk of T2D (Figure 1). Findings were consistent when TFAs were assessed categorically in study specific-quintiles, and when associations were pooled within lipid compartment (i.e., phospholipids vs. total plasma). ConclusionsOverall, biomarker levels of TFAs were not significantly associated with risk of incident T2D in this international pooling project. Findings may be due to mixed TFA sources (industrial vs. ruminant), a general decline in TFA exposure during this period, or no effect of circulating TFA on diabetes. Associations of TFA biomarkers with T2D at higher exposures should be investigated. Funding SourcesSee Table 1. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪

Dietary intake and serum levels of trans fatty acids and risk of breast cancer: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies

Although the relationship between dietary intake and serum levels of trans fatty acids and risk of breast cancer has been investigated extensively, findings are inconsistent. To summarize earlier findings on the association of dietary intake and serum levels of trans fatty acids with risk of breast cancer through a dose-response meta-analysis. The online databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct and Embase were searched for relevant publications up to June 2018, using MeSH and non-MeSH keywords. In total, 7 prospective studies [6 cohort studies and one nested case-control study] were included on total dietary trans fat intake, and five studies [1 cohort study and 4 nested case-control studies] were included about serum trans fatty acids. Assessment of study quality was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Study-specific RRs were combined via fixed-effects model to compute overall RRs. Participants were apparently healthy aged 26 years or older. We observed no significant relationship between dietary intake of total trans fatty acids and risk of breast cancer (pooled effect size: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.95-1.10, P=0.403). Combining 3 effect sizes from 2 prospective and one nested case-control study, no significant relation was seen between dietary intake of CLA and risk of breast cancer (pooled effect size: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.95-1.17, P=0.513). Based on 5 effect sizes, each additional 1g/day dietary intake of total trans fats was not significantly associated with risk of breast cancer (RR=1.00; 95% CI=0.99-1.01). In addition, it seems that serum levels of trans fats might be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer only among postmenopausal women (Pooled effect size: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.04-1.81, P=0.02). In conclusion, dietary intake of trans fatty acids was not associated with risk of breast cancer; however, a significant positive association was seen between serum trans fats and risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Comparison of plasma levels of different species of trans fatty acids in Japanese male patients with acute coronary syndrome versus healthy men

Background and aimsIt remains unclear how trans fatty acid (TFA) at low-level intake affect lipid levels and the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The study aimed to investigate how plasma TFA composition differs between male patients with ACS and healthy men. MethodsPlasma fatty acid (FA) composition (as determined by gas chromatography) was analyzed in ACS patients on hospital admission and compared to that of age-adjusted healthy men. ResultsTotal FA and TFA levels were similar between ACS and control subjects. Palmitelaidic acid, ruminant-derived TFA (R-TFA), levels were lower in ACS patients (0.17 ± 0.06 vs. 0.20 ± 0.06 of total FA, in ACS and control, respectively, p<0.01), and were significantly directly associated with HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (rho = 0.269) and n-3 polyunsaturated FA (n-3 PUFA) (rho = 0.442). Linoleic trans isomers (total C18:2 TFA), primary industrially-produced TFA (IP-TFAs), were significantly higher in ACS patients (0.68 ± 0.17 vs. 0.60 ± 0.20 of total FA, in ACS and control, respectively). Total trans-C18:1 isomers were comparable between ACS and control. Differences between ACS and controls in C18:1 trans varied by specific C18:1 trans species. Absolute concentrations of trans-C18:2 isomers were significantly directly associated with LDL-C and non-HDL-C in ACS men. The ACS patients showed significantly lower levels of both n-6 and n-3 PUFA (i.e., eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids). ConclusionsThere were several case-control differences in specific TFA that could potential affect risk for ACS. Japanese ACS patients, especially middle-aged patients, may consume less R-TFA.

A Prospective Analysis of Red Blood Cell Trans Fatty Acid Levels and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Abstract To confirm previous reports of increased non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk with higher intake of dietary trans fatty acids (TFA), we conducted the first prospective study of pre-diagnosis red blood cell (RBC) TFA levels and risk of NHL and common NHL histologic subtypes (diffuse large-B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic lymphoma/small lymphocytic leukemia, other B-cell NHL, T-cell NHL). Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study in Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS) participants with archived RBC specimens and no history of cancer at sample collection (NHS: 1989–90; HPFS: 1994–5). We confirmed 583 NHL cases (332 women in NHS, 251 men in HPFS) and matched 583 controls by cohort (sex), age, race/ethnicity and blood draw date/time. We analyzed RBC TFAs using gas-liquid chromatography; individual TFA levels were expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. We used unconditional logistic regression, adjusted for the matching factors, to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall NHL risk per 1 standard deviation (SD) unit increase in TFA level. We fitted multivariate polytomous logistic regression models to assess associations for the specific subtypes listed above. Results: Total and individual RBC TFAs were not associated with overall NHL risk or risk of most histologic subtypes. However, we observed a positive association of total RBC TFA with DLBCL risk (n = 86 cases; OR [95% CI] per 1 SD: 1.29 [1.02, 1.64]), driven primarily by 18:1 TFAs (1.35 [1.07, 1.72]). Among 18:1 TFA isomers, we found a positive association for trans 18:1 n-9 (elaidic acid; 1.33 [1.05, 1.68]) but not for other isomers. Conclusions: We observed significant positive associations for RBC TFA levels with DLBCL risk. These findings are consistent with published studies of self-reported TFA intake; further, previous studies have shown that TFA levels – particularly trans 18:1n-9, which is industrially-derived – are positively correlated with biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation, supporting the biologic plausibility of our findings. Food industry and public health measures to diminish TFA intake may help to reduce risk of NHL, and particularly of DLBCL.

Correlation of Various Foods Intakes and Plasma Levels of Omega Fatty Acids in Healthy Japanese Old Men

Background: Trans fatty acids are considered to impair health and some ω fatty acids are protective against atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Trans fatty acids are said to be formed by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Some amounts are produced in digestive organs of ruminants and present in dairy products or meat. It is important how much these intaken fatty acids influence their plasma levels. Methods: Plasma levels of fatty acids including transforms of healthy old men are measured by gas chromatography and correlations between various foods intakes and plasma levels of trans fatty acids, and ω fatty acids are examined. Results: Intake of fish resulted in increase in plasma levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but intake of meat such as beef, cow and chicken meat did not increase plasma levels of arachidonic acid (AA). Intakes of oils increased plasma levels of dihomo-g-linolenic acid significantly and AA to some extent. Conclusion: Plasma levels of EPA and DHA increased upon intakes of fish in Japanese old men. Oil intake but not meat intake increased DGLA significantly. These results may explain low incidence of cardiovascular diseases in Japanese people compared with American people whose plasma levels of DHA and EPA are lower.

Nutritional Composition of Commercial Sweet Buns in Malaysian Market

Background: The major strategy for prevention and treatment of diet-related disease is lifestyle modification, including controlled diet and physical activities. Since bread had been listed as one of the top ten foods consumed by Malaysian, the information of nutrient content in buns is needed for consumer to be aware of the nutrient intake from their food choices. The main objective of this study is to determine the nutritional composition of varieties of sweet buns sold in Malaysia. Method: A total of three to six brands from each type of bun (chocolate, coconut, kaya, potato and red bean) were sampled from local supermarkets in the Klang Valley, Malaysia using stratified sampling. The proximate composition, minerals, vitamins C, fatty acids, trans fatty acids and cholesterol were analysed using standard methods with the application of internal quality controls. Results: Carbohydrate was the major macronutrient in commercial buns ranging from 46.93 ± 3.72 to 54.73 ± 2.46 g/100 g. The highest protein content was found in the potato bun (9.15 ± 0.56 g/100 g) and the lowest protein content was in the kaya bun (7.13 ± 0.32 g/100 g). Fat content was in the range of 2.90 ± 1.37 to 8.98 ± 1.61 g/100 g. Major minerals content detected in buns were sodium, followed by potassium and calcium. Chocolate buns showed higher content of vitamin C (p<0.05) compared to kaya bun. Trans fatty acids were at trace level in all buns. Conclusion: These findings indicate that Malaysian commercial buns are good source of carbohydrates and with negligible level of trans fatty acids.

Time-Related Changes in Relationships Between the Keys Score, Dietary Lipids, and Serum Total Cholesterol in Japan ― NIPPON DATA80/90/2010 ―

In recent years, individuals with high serum total cholesterol (TC) have been more likely to modify their diet by reducing their intake of dietary lipids. The aim of this study was to investigate time-related changes in the relationships between the Keys score, dietary lipids, and TC between 1980 and 2010 in representative Japanese populations. Methods and Results: We used 3 cross-sectional cohort studies conducted among Japanese representative populations in 1980, 1990, and 2010 (NIPPON DATA80/90/2010) for the analyses. We analyzed data for 10,365, 7,714, and 2,657 participants, respectively, in each dataset. The relationships between TC and the Keys score (calculated by dietary lipids, cholesterol, and energy intake)/dietary lipids were examined. In men, a 1-unit higher Keys score correlated with 0.92 mg/dL and 0.64 mg/dL TC in 1980 and 1990, respectively, but not in 2010. In women, a 1-unit higher Keys score correlated with 0.70 mg/dL and 0.74 mg/dL TC in 1980 and 1990, respectively, but with 0.33 mg/dL in 2010. In men and women, dietary cholesterol, saturated fatty acid (SFA), and trans fatty acid (TFA) levels were positively associated with TC concentrations in 1980 and 1990, but not in 2010. In these representative Japanese populations, a higher Keys score as well as dietary cholesterol, SFA, and TFA levels correlated with higher TC concentrations in 1980/1990, but the relationships were weaker or not observed in 2010.

Trans-fatty Acids and Survival in Renal Transplantation

High consumption of trans-fatty acids (TFAs) is associated with increased mortality. Observational cohort study of 1.988 Norwegian renal transplant recipients with a median follow-up time of 9.6 years. We assessed multivariable adjusted associations between plasma levels of industrial and ruminant TFAs with patient and graft survival. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid levels were determined by gas chromatography at 10 weeks after transplantation. During follow-up, there were 595 deaths, and 805 grafts were lost. Plasma industrial TFA levels dropped from 0.3 wt% in years 1999-2004 to reach a plateau of 0.2 wt% from year 2005 and beyond, whereas plasma levels of ruminant TFAs remained stable throughout the study period. In the former era (years 1999 to 2004, n=902), we found multivariable adjusted associations between plasma industrial TFA levels and mortality (hazard ratio 4.44, P=.02) and graft loss (hazard ratio 4.22, P=.01). In the latter era (years 2005 to 2011, n=1,086), there were no associations between plasma industrial TFA levels and patient or graft survival. Plasma ruminant TFAs were not associated with mortality or graft loss in either eras. In this Norwegian transplant cohort, plasma industrial TFA levels dropped from around 0.3 wt% in the former era to 0.2 wt% in the latter era. While plasma industrial TFA was significantly associated with survival in the former era, no associations were found with survival in the latter era. This finding suggests that lowering industrial TFA consumption from modest to low levels could possibly influence health beneficially after renal transplantation.

Trans fatty acids in margarines and shortenings in the food supply in Slovenia

Trans fatty acid (TFA) content in foods is not regulated in most European countries. Fatty acid (FA) composition, total TFA levels, and TFA isomers were determined for 43 margarines available on the Slovenian market and 33 samples of shortenings used by food manufacturers. In most margarines, the TFA content (as a percentage of total FA) was low (0.1–0.8%), although two different margarines contained 3.1% and 6.4% TFA, respectively. In shortenings, a wider variation in TFA content (from 0.1% to 11.2%) was observed. In samples with high total TFA, trans-C18:1 was present in higher quantities than trans-C18:2 and trans-C18:3. In almost all samples, the predominant TFA isomers were elaidic acid (t9-C18:1) and t10-C18:1, followed by t11-C18:1 and (t6-t8)-C18:1. Isomers t12-C18:1 and (t13-t14)-C18:1 were also detected. Among trans-C18:2 isomers the t/c-C18:2 predominated over c/t-C18:2 and t/t-C18:2. Above 2% TFA was only found in samples labelled to contain partially hydrogenated fats. Results show a high variability in the FA composition of hard vegetable fats in the food supply, and indicate that more efficient regulation and control on the market are needed to minimize the exposure of the population to TFAs.

Link between plasma trans-fatty acid and fatty liver is moderated by adiposity

BackgroundThe prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising. This increase may be associated with obesity. It has been suggested that trans-fatty acids (TFAs) play an important role in non-communicable diseases. AimWe examined the link between liver tests, fatty liver index (FLI) and plasma TFAs. Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of adiposity on this link. MethodsThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used to obtain the data on TFAs and liver function biomarkers. We took account of complex NHANES data, masked variance and weighting methodology. ResultsOf the 4252 participants, 46.4% were men. The mean age was 50.6 years overall; 51.3 years for men and 49.8 years for women (p = 0.206). In a fully adjusted model (demographic and clinical factors), FLI increased as trans-9-hexadecenoic acid and trans-11-octadecenoic acid levels increased; FLI was 38.1 and 42.3 for the first quarter (Q1) of trans-9-hexadecenoic acid and trans-11-octadecenoic acid, respectively, reaching 65.1 and 69.3 for the highest quarters (Q4) (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Multivariable logistic regression showed for all four studied TFAs, the likelihood of NAFLD (determined by FLI) increased with increasing TFAs levels (quartiles) in a stepwise manner (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Based on moderation analysis, a strong impact of body mass index (BMI) on the link between FLI and TFAs was observed. ConclusionsOur results suggest a direct significant association between plasma TFAs, liver tests and NAFLD (assessed by FLI). Furthermore, BMI was shown to mediate this relationship. These findings highlight the importance of avoiding TFAs consumption in order to minimize cardiometabolic risk.

Serum Carotenoids, Tocopherols, Total n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, and n-6/n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratio Reflect Brain Concentrations in a Cohort of Centenarians.

Investigating the role of nutrition on cognitive health is challenging. Human brain tissue is inaccessible in living humans and is often limited in deceased individuals. Therefore, biomarkers of brain nutrient levels are of interest. The objective of this study was to characterize the relationships between levels of fat-soluble nutrients in serum and matched brain tissues from the frontal and temporal cortices of participants in the Georgia Centenarian Study (n = 47). After adjusting for sex, race, cognitive status (Global Deterioration Scale), body mass index, and presence of hypertension and/or diabetes, there was a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between serum and brain levels of carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, β-carotene), α-, γ-tocopherols, total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. The relationship between serum and brain total n-6 PUFAs was inconsistent among the two brain regions. No significant relationship was identified between serum and brain retinol, total saturated fatty acid, total monounsaturated fatty acid, and trans-fatty acid levels. These findings suggest that serum carotenoids, tocopherols, total n-3 PUFAs, and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio reflect levels in brain and can be used as surrogate biomarkers in older population.

Were policies in Brazil effective to reducing trans fat from industrial origin in foods?

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To determine the trans fatty acids content of processed foods frequently consumed by adults living in a Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after the enactment of a mandatory trans fatty acids labelling policy.METHODS Between February 2014 and January 2015, a specifically dietary questionnaire was completed by 107 adults to assess the frequency of processed foods consumption. The most commonly consumed products from the survey, including vegetable oils, margarine, biscuits, snacks, cheese bread (pão de queijo), french fries, cheeseburger and ice cream, were then analyzed for their trans fatty acids content using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector.RESULTS Differences in the levels of trans fatty acids were observed among 22 products analyzed, considering that trans fatty acids content ranged between 0.0 g/100 g in samples of cream cracker biscuit 1 and olive oil to 0.83 g/100 g in samples of cheeseburger (fast food), 0.51 g/100 g in samples of frozen pão de queijo and 12.92 g/100 g in samples of chocolate sandwich cookies with cream filling 2. The overall trans fatty acids content of the different samples of margarine brands was 0.20 g/100 g for brand 1 and 0.0 g/100 g for brand 2. These data are significantly lower than those observed in a survey conducted in 2003, when the regulation had been enacted.CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that Brazilian regulation is very likely implicated in the observed drop in trans fatty acids of the most processed foods but has yet to eliminate them, which reinforces the urgent need to revise the legislation, since a minimum amount of trans fat does not mean that the food product does not contain this type of fat.

Correlation of trans fatty acids with the severity of coronary artery disease lesions

BackgroundNutritional choices, which include the source of dietary fatty acids (FA), have an important significant impact on coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to determine on patients with CAD the relationships between Trans fatty acids (Trans FA) and different CAD associated parameters such as inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in addition to Gensini score as a vascular severity index.MethodsFatty acid profiles were established by gas chromatography from 111 CAD patients compared to 120 age-matched control group. Lipid peroxidation biomarkers, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters and Gensini score were studied.ResultsOur study showed a significant decrease of the antioxidant parameters levels such as erythrocyte glutathione peroxydase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, plasma antioxidant status (FRAP) and thiol (SH) groups in CAD patients. On the other hand, catalase activity, conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde were increased. Plasmatic and erythrocyte Trans FA were also increased in CAD patients compared to controls. Furthermore, divergent associations of these Trans FA accumulations were observed with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol/ high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio, Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipid peroxidation parameters, high-sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Gensini score. Especially, elaidic acid (C18:1 trans 9), trans C18:2 isomers and trans 11 eicosanoic acid are correlated with these parameters. Trans FA are also associated with oxidative stress, confirmed by a positive correlation between C20:1 trans 11 and GPx in erythrocytes.ConclusionsHigh level of Trans FA was highly associated with the induction of inflammation, oxidative stress and lipoperoxidation which appear to be based on the vascular severity and might be of interest to assess the stage and progression of atherosclerosis. The measurement of these Trans FA would be of great value for the screening of lipid metabolism disorders in CAD patients.

Serum trans-fatty acids level are positively associated with lower food security among american adults

ObjectivesIn the current study we aimed to assess whether the food security is associated with serum trans-fatty acids (TFAs) and dietary fat.MethodsAnalyses were restricted to participants (from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) with data available on serum and diet TFAs and food security status from 2009 to 2010. All statistical analyses (analysis of covariance and linear regression) accounted for the survey design and sample weights.ResultsWe included 3876 participants, overall (48.6%) participants were men, and (51.4%) were women, generally (69.0%) had high food security. Subjects with higher food security had a higher level of education as well (p < 0.001). Age-adjusted, sex-adjusted, race-adjusted, education-adjusted mean of trans 9-octadecenoic acid and trans-9, trans-12-octadecadienoic acid were higher in plasma of participants with lower food security (all p < 0.001), moreover in same model there was a significant positive association between plasma level of trans-11-octadecenoic acid, trans-9-octadecenoic acid and trans-9, trans-12-octadecadienoic acid and score of food security. Further, age, sex, race, education, and energy intake adjusted mean of dietary fatty acids show that total polyunsaturated fatty acids are higher in subjects with higher food security (p = 0.026) while, cholesterol consumption is higher in subjects with lower food security (p = 0.039).ConclusionsOur findings provide more evidence on the association between food insecurity and the higher level of TFAs in serum and different type of fat in the diet.

Association between plasma trans fatty acids concentrations and leucocyte telomere length in US adults.

To assess the relationship between plasma trans-fatty acids (TFAs) levels and leucocyte telomere length (TL) in a US adult population sample. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database was used for this study. Gas chromatography was used to separate derivatised fatty acids (Four major TFAs [palmitelaidic acid (C16:1n-7t), trans vaccenic acid (C18:1n-7t), elaidic acid (C18:1n-9t), and linoelaidic acid (C18:2n-6t,9t)]) which were then quatified using negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Data analyses used multivariable linear regressions, while accounting for the survey design. A total of 5446 eligible participants, with 46.8% (n = 2550) being men, were included. Their average age was 47.1 years for the total sample, and 47.8 and 46.5 years in men and women respectively (p = 0.085 for men vs. women difference). Concentrations of palmitelaidic acid and linolelaidic acid decreased with increasing length of the telomere (p < 0.05). Univariable linear regressions revealed a significant negative association between levels of the palmitelaidic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, and linolelaidic acid with TL. However when models were adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, education, marital status, sub-clinical inflammation, body mass index, and smoking, only palmitelaidic acid and linolelaidic acid remained significant (p < 0.05). TFAs levels and particularly palmitelaidic and linolelaidic acids, are likely negatively associated with telomere lenght. Future studies should explore the potential implications of these associations.

Quantitation of trans-fatty acids in human blood via isotope dilution-gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry

Trans-fatty acids (TFA) are geometric isomers of naturally occurring cis-fatty acids. High dietary TFA intake has been associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about TFA levels in humans. To address this data need, we developed and validated a new isotope dilution-gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (ID-GC-NCI-MS) method for quantitation of 27 fatty acids (FA) including 4 major TFA in human plasma, serum, and red blood cells (RBC) from 66 donors. Quantitation was performed with 18 isotope labeled internal standards and results are presented in μM and % of total FA. This method has high sensitivity and specificity due to use of pentafluorobenzyl-bromide derivatization combined with NCI-MS and a 200m column to optimize positional and geometric FA isomer separation. The four major TFA, palmitelaidic acid, elaidic acid, trans-vaccenic acid, and linoelaidic acid, were detected in all samples, with median total TFA concentrations of 17.7μM in plasma, 19.6μM in serum, and 21.5μM in RBC. The % of total FA for the TFA was 0.20% in plasma, 0.20% in serum, and 0.30% in RBC. Patterns for % FA are similar to those reported in other studies. We developed a highly specific, ID-GC-NCI-MS method to quantitate TFA and other FA in humans.

An update on processed foods: Relationship between salt, saturated and trans fatty acids contents

To update the current situation on salt, fat and fatty acid composition of processed foods, a study including a wide range of different food categories was conducted in Portugal. Different validated analytical techniques were used, and a PCA and correlation analysis were conducted to establish a trend between the different components in each food category.The highest salt content was found in snacks, fast-food, sauces and ready-to-eat meals, while the saturated fatty acids were higher (p < .05) in bakery products, cookies, biscuits and wafers, and snacks. The highest levels of trans fatty acids were found in the fast-food group, followed by the snacks, potato and potato-products and bakery products. A significant positive correlation (p < .05) was found between salt and fat content in ready-to-eat meals and in the potato and potato-products. The PCA analysis identified total fat, low trans fatty acids and high salt content as distinctive characteristics of some food categories.

Effects of Various Foods Intakes on Plasma Levels of Trans Fatty Acids in Japanese Old Men

Background: Trans fatty acids are said to be formed by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Some amounts are produced in digestive organs of ruminants and present in dairy products or meat. In Japan, use of trans fatty acids in the foods is prohibited, thus trans fatty acids must come from foods or microbes in the digestive organs. Methods: Plasma levels of fatty acids including trans forms of healthy old men are measured by gas chromatography and correlations between various foods intakes and plasma levels of trans fatty acids such as palmitoelaidic, elaidic and linoelaidic acids are examined. Results: No correlations between various foods intakes and trans fatty acids were found except between intake of preference drinks such as tea or coffee and plasma levels of palmitoelaidic and linoelaidic acids. Conclusion: Since palmitoelaidic acid is cardioprotective, increase in plasma levels of palmitoelaidic acid may indicate that intakes of tea and coffee may be beneficial for heath by increasing palmitoelaidic acids.