The total ban on trans fatty acids would be the most effective solution to reduce the risk of death from coronary heart disease. “The total ban is technically feasible”, explain the researchers who propose “decisive action”. “Because if no increase in cardiovascular risk has been demonstrated with the consumption of natural trans fatty acids (meat, dairy products), the trans fatty acids in processed foods, made from vegetable oils, are, at – beyond an intake greater than 2% of the daily intake, associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and death, ”they point out.
Scientists have observed that in England, the average consumption of trans fatty acids in adults is estimated at 0.7% of energy intake and 1.3% for the most disadvantaged groups. Current recommendations call for limiting trans fat to 1% of daily energy intake.
In their report, the researchers propose several solutions to reduce the consumption of trans fatty acids that would have positive consequences on health.
A total ban on trans fatty acids in processed foods could prevent or delay an estimated 7,200 (2.6%) deaths from coronary heart disease over the next 5 years and reduce inequalities in the risk of death from coronary heart disease by about 3 000 deaths in the most disadvantaged socio-economic groups.
More informative and adapted food labeling or the ban on trans fatty acids in restaurants and for take-out that could reduce the number of deaths from coronary heart disease by 1,800 to 3,000, including 600 to 1,500 in people the most disadvantaged.
Thanks to the obligation to label foods, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifies that the consumption of trans fatty acids has nevertheless increased from 4.6 to 1 g per day between 2003 and 2012 in the United States. . In November 2013, the FDA banned the use of trans fatty acids in processed foods, which helped prevent 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths from coronary heart disease.
Read also:
Junk food linked to memory impairment
In the United States, one in three industrial foods contains harmful fatty acids
Nutrition: “good fats” are not what you think
