Experts at the Institute of Medicine have declared that no amount of trans fatty acids are safe to eat. High levels of trans fatty acids are present in margarine and hydrogenated vegetable shortening, and foods that contain them such as pastries and fried foods. They are particularly bad for health as they raise “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, while lowering “good” HDL cholesterol levels. The panel had the option to decide a safe upper limit of daily trans fatty acids, however they declined to do so and instead recommended that “trans fatty acid consumption be as low as possible.” The Institute of Medicine’s report is more than likely to encourage the Food and Drug Administration to forge ahead with plans to make manufacturers disclose the trans fatty acid content of foods on labelling.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 11th July 2002
