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Cardiovascular Effects of Trans Fatty Acids

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Preventive Nutrition

Part of the book series: Nutrition and Health ((NH))

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Abstract

The position of the double bond in the carbon chain of a fatty acid is indicated in several ways. When counted from the carboxyl end (–COOH) of the molecule, the position (x) is denoted by the “Δ–x”-nomenclature, while the “n–x” classification is used when counting starts from the methyl end (–CH3). Thus, “n–3” means that the double bond is located at the third carbon atom from the methyl end. These double bonds can have either the cis or the trans configuration. Cis means that the two carbon atoms adjacent to the double bound point in the same direction, whereas trans means that the two carbon atoms are located at opposite sides of the double bond. As an example, α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n–3), which belongs to the n–3 family, and one of its trans isomers (C18:3 n–3 Δ–9c,12c,15tr) are shown in Fig 11.1. These two molecules are the so-called “geometrical isomers.”

Key Points

• Trans fatty acids are found in hydrogenated fats and in fats from ruminants.

• The intake of trans fatty acids in the United States is in decline and is around 2% of energy.

• Tissue levels of trans fatty acids reflect dietary intakes.

• Trans fatty acids have an adverse effect on the serum lipoprotein profile.

• Epidemiological studies show a positive relationship between the intake of trans fatty acids from partially hydrogenated fats and cardiovascular risk.

• Keep the intake of trans fatty acids below 1% of energy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Postbus 616, 6200, Maastricht, MD, The Netherlands

    Ronald P. Mensink MD

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Correspondence to Ronald P. Mensink MD .

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  1. New Products Research, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Littleton Road 1500 , Parsippany, 07054, U.S.A.

    Adrianne Bendich

  2. Inst. Human Nutrition, Columbia University, West 168th St. 630 , New York, 10032, U.S.A.

    Richard J. Deckelbaum

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Mensink, R.P. (2010). Cardiovascular Effects of Trans Fatty Acids. In: Bendich, A., Deckelbaum, R. (eds) Preventive Nutrition. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-542-2_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-542-2_11

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