Trans fatty acids

EFSA Panel reviews dietary intakes and health effects

Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies of the European Food Safety Authority, Brussels

The Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies of the European Food Safety Authority published an opinion relating to the presence of trans fatty acids in foods and the effect on human health of the consumption of trans fatty acids. Trans fatty acids, like saturated fatty acids, raise LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart disease.
The panel concluded that at equivalent dietary levels, the effect of trans fatty acids on heart health may be greater than that of saturated fatty acids. However, current intakes of trans fatty acids are generally more than 10-fold lower than those of saturated fatty acids whose intakes in many European countries exceed dietary recommendations.  The NDA panel also evaluated other health effects and concluded that scientific evidence with regards to a possible relationship of trans fatty acid intake with cancer, type 2 diabetes or allergies is weak or inconsistent. Finally, the panel advised that there are no analytical methods available to distinguish between trans fatty acids from natural sources and those formed during food processing.
Keywords: Trans fatty acids / EFSA Panel / review / dietary intakes / health effects
Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs-Umschau 10/04 ab Seite 414.