Trans (Elaidic) Fatty Acids Adversely Affect the Lipoprotein Profile Relative to Specific Saturated Fatty Acids in Humans

Abstract

Although dietary trans fatty acids can affect plasma lipoproteins negatively in humans, no direct comparison with specific saturated fatty acids has been reported, even though trans fatty acids were designed to replace saturates in foods and food processing. In this study, dietary trans 18:1 [elaidic acid at 5.5% energy (en)] was specifically exchanged for cis 18:1, 16:0 or 12:0 + 14:0 in 27 male and female subjects consuming moderate fat (31% en), low cholesterol (<225 mg/d) whole food diets during 4-wk diet periods in a crossover design. The trans-rich fat significantly elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol relative to the 16:0-rich and 18:1-rich fats and uniquely depressed HDL cholesterol relative to all of the fats tested. Trans fatty acids also elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] values relative to all dietary treatments. Furthermore, identical effects on lipoproteins were elicited by 16:0 and cis 18:1 in these subjects. The current results suggest that elaidic acid, one of the principal trans isomers produced during industrial hydrogenation of edible oils, adversely affects plasma lipoproteins. Thus, the negative effect of elaidic acid on the lipoprotein profile of humans appears to be unmatched by any other natural fatty acid(s).

The occurrence of trans-18:1 isomers in plasma lipids classes in humans

“…Several studies have shown that TFA increase lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL-C) and decrease high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in humans compared with oleic acid (Judd et al, 1994;Sundram et al, 1997;Lichtenstein, 2000) with the effect of TFA on LDL-C being similar to that of butterfat (Almendingen et al, 1995). Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), was also signi®cantly higher in diets enriched with TFA compared with oleic acid or a saturated fatty acids (SFA) diet (Nestel et al, 1992;Katan et al, 1995;Aro et al, 1995).…”

Perfil de ácidos graxos trans de óleo e gordura hidrogenada de soja no processo de fritura

“…Há algumas evidências de que modesta ingestão de ácidos graxos trans pode afetar o perfil das lipoproteínas, aumentando a lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL), diminuindo a lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) e aumentando a lipoproteína a (Lpa). No entanto, estas observações têm sido discutidas, procurando avaliar se os ácidos graxos trans são melhores ou piores do que os ácidos graxos saturados, quando utilizados na produção de alguns alimentos fritos, gorduras e margarinas [1,6,15].…”

Red Palm Oil and Its Antioxidant Potential in Reducing Oxidative Stress in HIV/AIDS and TB Patients

“…A comparative study in young Australian adults showed that the total blood cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol levels of those fed on palm oil (palm olein) and olive oil were lower than those fed on the usual Australian diet (Choudhury et al, 1995). A double-blind cross-over study (Sundram, 1997) showed that a palm olein rich oil diet is identical to an oleic-acid rich diet.…”