Trans fatty acids in the Nordic countries

Abstract

Trans fatty acids (TFA) comprise a variety of positional isomers, mainly with 18 carbon atoms and one double bond (C18:1). They are found in foods of ruminant animal origin and in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The isomeric composition of TFA in animal and vegetable foods differs, but no definite differences have been documented between the metabolic and health effects of the different isomers. In the Nordic countries the intake of TFA has declined during the past 10-15 years, mainly through reduced use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. TFA are mainly found in foods that contain far higher amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFA). The proportion of SFA plus TFA should be kept to one-third of total dietary fatty acids. The problem of excessive consumption of these unfavourable fatty acids should be managed with food-based dietary guidelines in agreement with the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. Keywords: food-based dietary guidelines; nutrition recom mendations; ruminant fat; trans isomers; vegetable fat