The total prohibition of trans fatty acids would be the most effective solution to reduce the risk of death from coronary heart disease. “A 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 of processed foods, made from vegetable oils, are, at least -beyond an intake greater than 2% of daily intake, associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and death” they recall.
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 recommend limiting trans fats to 1% of daily energy intake.
In their report, the researchers propose several solutions to reduce the consumption of trans fatty acids which would have positive consequences on health.
Total banning of trans fatty acids in processed foods could prevent or delay approximately 7,200 (2.6%) coronary heart disease deaths over the next 5 years and reduce inequalities in risk of death from coronary heart disease by approximately 3 000 deaths in the most disadvantaged socio-economic groups.
More informative and adapted food labeling or the banning of trans fatty acids in restaurants and for take-out sales which 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 food, the Food and drug administration (FDA) specifies that the consumption of trans fatty acids nevertheless fell 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 prevented 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths from coronary heart disease.
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