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Scientific evidence shows trans fat increases the incidence of coronary heart disease. In fact, there is no known safe level of trans fat consumption. While people are becoming increasingly aware of the heart-health risks associated with trans fat, our consumption of saturated and trans fat is very high.
Why Hydrogenated Oils Should be Avoided at All Costs
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Key Health Learnings
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• Metabolic and epidemiologic studies consistently show that trans fats are more harmful than any other type of fat.
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• Metabolic studies have demonstrated that trans fats not only elevate LDL ("bad") cholesterol but also decrease HDL ("good") cholesterol.
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Replacing trans fats with saturated fats has some positive effect on health, but the benefits are greater when trans fats are replaced by cis-monounsaturates and cis-polyunsaturates.
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Both adequate intakes and a proper balance of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are needed to lower coronary heart disease risk.
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Social and Economic Determinants of Health
The Team also considered the government's ability to affect population health in light of social and economic determinants of consumer behaviour. One expert used the results of a study on margarine consumption to demonstrate that product claims can push up prices, and that regulations governing nutrition labelling or product claims, for example, are not sufficient to significantly reduce the trans fat intake of all Canadians, particularly those in low socio-economic groups. This expert felt that more direct interventions by government are required.
To maximize the population health impact of government intervention, this expert proposed the following two principles:
- • Reductions in the trans fat content of particular classes of foods (e.g. margarine) should be applied across the board, that is, to generic, low-cost products as well as premium brands.
- • Changes in product formulation that are restricted to higher-end products will not alter the health risks associated with trans fat consumption among more price-sensitive consumers (e.g. low-income households).
- • Reductions in the trans fat content of energy-dense snack foods, baked goods and commercially fried foods should be accompanied by initiatives to shift consumption patterns toward healthier alternatives (e.g. fruits, vegetables and whole grains).