trans fat


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trans fat

(trăns)
n.
1. A trans fatty acid.
2. Trans fatty acids considered as a group.

trans fat

An unsaturated fat containing a trans—i.e., the carbon moieties on the two sides of the double bond point in opposite directions—(E)- isomer. Trans fats (TFs) are not found in nature; minimal TFs are present in animal fats. TFs are abundant in margarines, frying fats and shortenings, and are formed when polyunsaturated fat-rich vegetable and marine oils and vegetable shortenings are “hardened” by partial hydrogenation, producing fats with a firmness and consistency desired by both food manufacturers and consumers. The most abundant TF is elaidic acid and its isomers, which are 18-carbon molecules with one double bond.

TFs comprise 6 to 8% of the daily per capita consumption of fat in developed nations; health experts recommend reduction of TFs to trace amounts, as increased dietary TFs result in increased total and LDL-cholesterol, reduced HDL-cholesterol and an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

trans fat

A fat derived from the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Examples include vegetable shortening and margarine. Studies have associated trans-fat consumption with an increased risk for coronary artery disease.
See also: fat
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References in periodicals archive ?
This research is a policy analysis based on documentary contributions from stakeholders in Brazil to the public consultation process of mandatory food labeling in trans fat acids.
Mandatory food labeling of trans fat acids: qualitative analysis of the public consultation/ Lei de rotulagem de alimentos em gordura trans: analise qualitativa da consulta publica/ Ley de rotulacion de alimentos con grasa transgenica: analisis cualitativa de consulta publica
Dr Tim Chico, a consultant cardiologist at the University of Sheffield, said it was clear that artificially-manufactured trans fats, "whose use only benefits the food industry", increase the risk of heart disease.
Call for ban on trans fats in our food
In this case, it's far from clear that the FDA's trans fat eliminationism is necessary, even if you're worried about the fats' health effects.
The FDA wants to ruin your treats: trans fats make donuts and popcorn delicious. Soon they may be illegal
This means that by 2018, we might find food products in supermarket aisles that may be free of trans fats.
Will 2018 open a new chapter in world health?
This determination will significantly reduce the use of PHOs, the major source of artificial trans fats, in the food supply.
FDA finalizing trans fat ban: companies will have 3 years to either reformulate products or gain exceptions
In 2002, the National Academy of Sciences found that trans fats had "no known benefit to human health.
The Crisco century
I think there's a chance trans fats will be banned," Patton says.
Trans fat consumption is down, but we need to do better: research shows trans fats are bad for your heart and your brain, but there are some simple ways to keep them out of your diet
Trans fats are unsaturated fats that are uncommon in nature, but can be created artificially.
Iran produces trans-fat-free oil
If you have more than one serving of the food you're eating, you're getting more trans fat than you think.
Face the facts about fats: you need some fat in your diet, but know which types are beneficial and which you should avoid
5 g of trans fat in one serving, but the manufacturer may list 0 g of trans fat on the Nutrition Facts label, or use that zero as a marketing slogan on the front of the package," she explains.
How to avoid eating partially hydrogenated oils and trans fat
Said FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg: ''While consumption of potentially harmful artificial trans fat has declined over the last two decades in the United States, current intake remains a significant public health concern.
FDA orders an end to trans fat in US food; Could prevent 20,000 heart attacks, 7,000 deaths a year
The agency estimates that the elimination of trans fats from the American diet could prevent up to 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths annually.
FDA says trans fats' time is up

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