As of 2005, 54 percent of Americans were trying to consume fewer trans-fatty acids, according to the American Council on Science and Health. Since 2006, the Food and Drug Administration requires nutrition labels listing information about the amount of trans fats contained in a product so people can make informed decisions about their nutrition. This came about due to the concern that consuming trans-fatty acids increases the risk for heart disease.
History
Although there are a few naturally occurring trans fats found in meat and dairy products, the vast majority are added to products in the form of partially hydrogenated oils. The hydrogenation process transforms these oils from liquids to solids when at room temperature, making them more desirable to food manufacturers. Using these fats increases the shelf life of products, according to UAB Medicine, so they are commonly used in baked and snack foods, dressings, fried foods, margarine and other processed foods.
Significance
The problem with trans-fatty acids is that they increase your LDL, or bad cholesterol while lowering your HDL, or good cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic. The combination of having too much LDL cholesterol and too little HDL cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease, the most common cause of death in the US.
Identification
Trans fat content is listed on the nutrition label under fats. However, manufacturers can legally say that a food contains no trans fats if the trans fat content is less than 0.5 g per serving. Check the ingredients list, and if partially hydrogenated oil, hydrogenated oil or shortening is listed the food contains at least some trans fat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
Many foods that contain amounts of trans fats small enough that they don't need to be listed on the nutrition label are often eaten in quantities of more than one serving. Eating more than one serving of cookies or chips can cause the amount of trans fats you are consuming to add up quickly to more than the recommended limits.
Expert Insight
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends following a heart-healthy diet that contains less than 1 percent of calories from trans fats. This diet also recommends limiting saturated fats to less than 7 percent of calories, getting 5 to 10 percent of calories through omega-6 fatty acids and consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids at least twice a week.
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