Dr David McGrath

Spine Physician

MB BS (Hons) FAFOM, RACP, FAFMM
Master of Pain Medicine

Trans-Fatty Acids

Bottom Line: Think of Trans-Fatty Acids as manmade, undigestable and toxic. Avoid all foods,
1.Explicitly stating they exists, or
2.Implied by the words hydrogenated,partially hydogenated, or shortening

This is a class of fatty acids (fats) which are manmade from natural oils (a liquid fat). We do this this for a couple of reasons:
1. The oil becomes solid (and hence spreadable )
2. The shelf life of the fat is greatly extended (even longer than saturated fats)

Physically the manufactured fat has properties similar to a natural saturated fat. Chemically, they are totally different. The fat now contains unnatural double bonds, which are chemically unstable and not generally recognised by our protein enzymes. This means, that our chemical processes are inadequate to metabolise them through to either energy or building blocks. There is evidence that they create many more Reactive Species or Free Radicals, with the potential to damage our membranes.
Many scientists believe them to be the cause of mutiple problems, including atherogenesis, or hardening of the arteries.
The fats are manufactured by a process of partial hydrogenation, in which hydrogen atoms are forced into the natural "cis" double bonds, to saturate the molecule. The process is usually incomplete, leaving some double bonds in a new unnatural "trans" geometric position. The fatty molecule straightens with the trans double bond,resembling a saturated fatty molecule.
The long shelf life is probable due to the artificial structure, which even bacteria have difficulty eating.
As recognition of their harmful effects, some jurisdictions, have legislated, to have the percentage written on the product label. (not always accurate)
These compounds are ubiquitous in the processed food chain:
1.Cooking oils (use virgin cold pressed, or butter or unprocessed lard)
2.Confectionery
3.Fast Food and restaurants
4.Cakes and biscuits

There are organisations dedicated to removing them from the food chain.

I endorse www.tfx.org.uk The campaign against trans fats in food.