Learn Glossary biochemistry

Trans Fatty Acids

Unsaturated fatty acids with at least one double bond in the trans configuration, primarily from industrial partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils, with smaller amounts naturally from ruminant fat.

Also: Industrially produced trans fats, TFAs

Industrial trans fats raise LDL-C, lower HDL-C, promote inflammation, and increase coronary heart disease risk more than any other macronutrient per calorie. WHO has called for global elimination by 2023, and the US FDA revoked GRAS status for partially hydrogenated oils in 2018. Ruminant trans fats (e.g., vaccenic acid, conjugated linoleic acid) at typical dietary levels appear neutral or possibly beneficial.

How one textbook covers it

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed.Ch 4: Lipids and Lipid Metabolites

    Industrial trans fats raise LDL-C, lower HDL-C, promote inflammation, and increase coronary heart disease risk more than any other macronutrient per calorie. WHO has called for global elimination by 2023, and the US FDA revoked GRAS status for partially hydrogenated oils in 2018. Ruminant trans fats (e.g., vaccenic acid, conjugated linoleic acid) at typical dietary levels appear neutral or possibly beneficial.

Related terms

CVD, LDL, Saturated fat