Trans Fatty Acids: Recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program

NCEP Evidence Statement: Trans fatty acids raise serum LDL cholesterol levels (Strength of Evidence: A2). Through this mechanism, higher intakes of trans fatty acids should increase risk for CHD (coronary heart diseases). Prospective studies support an association between higher intakes of trans fatty acids and CHD incidence (C2). However, trans fatty acids are not classified as saturated fatty acids, nor are they included in the quantititative recommendation for saturated fatty acid intake of less than 7 percent of calories in the TLC (therapeutic lifestyle changes) Diet.

NCEP Recommendation: Intakes of trans fatty acids should be kept low. The use of liquid vegetable oil, soft margarine, and trans fatty acid-free margarine are encouraged instead of butter, stick margarine and shortening.

NCEP Discussion: Substantial evidence from randomized clinical trials indicates that trans fatty acids raise LDL cholesterol levels, compared with unsaturated fatty acids. These stuides also show that when trans fatty acids are substituted for saturated fatty acids, HDL (good) cholesterol levels are lower.

Click recommendations on unsaturated fats, both monounsaturated and polyunsatured.