February 2, 2007 – Consumption of trans fats increases the risk of infertility in women, report US researchers1.
The risk of infertility, caused by ovulation problems, would double when 2% of energy intake comes from trans fat rather than monounsaturated fat (olive oil, canola). The risk would increase to 73% every time the energy intake of trans fat increases by 2%.
According to the authors, this link could be explained by the fact that the consumption of trans fats is associated with inflammatory disorders, which could hinder the proper functioning of ovulation.
Researchers at Harvard University’s School of Public Health in Boston analyzed the eating habits of 18,555 women aged 24 to 42. From 1991 to 1999, they collected data on how much and how often they ate certain foods and what types of fat they used for cooking.
Of the 3,340 cases of infertility reported by participants, 438 were caused by difficulties with ovulation. A couple is considered to be infertile when they fail to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sex. Ovulation problems are believed to be the cause of 15% of infertility cases.
Researchers recommend that women who want to become pregnant replace trans fats with other types of fats and carbohydrates in their diet. Trans fats are obtained by hydrogenating vegetable oils to give them more consistency and to prolong their shelf life. They are mostly found in processed foods.
Marie France Coutu – HealthPassport.net
According to FoodNavigator.
1. Chavarro JE, Rich_Edwards JW, et al. Dietary fatty intakes and the risk of ovulatory infertility, Am J Clin Nutr, 2007; 85: 231-7