TRANS FATTY ACIDS AND NON-TRANSMISSIBLE DISEASES

Abstract

Objectives. Solid fats, obtained industrially through the process of hydrogenation of vegetable oils, have found a very wide use in the food field. At the same time, they have a high content of trans fatty acids, these being also known as "trans fats". Recent researches have revealed the adverse effects of trans fatty acids on health. The high content of trans fatty acids contributes, in particular, to the emergence of non-communicable diseases. That is why it was conducted a bibliographic study, in order to elucidate the various harmful effects of trans fatty acids on health and its prevention possibilities. Material and methods. An advanced literature search was performed using the Google Scholar search engine and the PubMed, Research for Life and Medline databases. The criteria for selecting the items included health issues, according to the keywords trans fatty acids, trans fats, health, non-communicable diseases. Results. The direct connection of excessive consumption of trans fatty acids, with various non-communicable diseases, has been found. It largely affects the lipid spectrum of the blood, the circulatory system, in general, but also other systems and organs, including the reproductive system in men. Some forms of cancer, cognitive impairment in the elderly, the detrimental effect on the fetus, can also be caused by excessive consumption of hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats high in trans fatty acids. Conclusion. There is a need to harmonize national legislation with European legislation on trans fatty acids regulations, formalize control methods, joint activities of state bodies with representatives of the food industry in order to improve the situation on the issue.

Keywords

• trans fatty acids
• trans fats
• health
• non-communicable diseases