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Blood Levels of Trans Fats Are
Declining in Americans
The New York Times
By Anahad O'Connor
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Background
• Previous research:
– Trans fats increase risk of heart disease
– Increase LDL & lower HDL cholesterols
• Public outcry prompted government action:
– Labeling changes
– Local bans: New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles
• Consumption of partially hydrogenated oils
decreased
Research published in JAMA
• CDC researchers tested 521 middle-aged
adults in 2000 and 2009
– Longitudinal study
• Trans fat levels fell by 58% in that period
• Can assume that consumption also fell
– Changing preferences
– Government interventions
• Blood tests show other improvements
Improvements in Blood Health
140
120
Blood contents (mg/dL)
Trans fats in μmol/L
100
80
Triglycerides
LDL
HDL
60
40
20
0
Trans fats
Harvard Nurses’ Health Study
• Started in 1976
• Longitudinal study of 238,000 nurses
• Has led to important discoveries:
– Link between trans fats and heart disease
– Mediterranean diets reduce heart disease risk
– Red meat increases risk of breast and colon cancer
• Followed by GUTS study:
– Children who eat dinner with family are less obese.
– Breastfeeding as an infant decreases risk of obesity.
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