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The ABCs of TFAs (Trans Fatty Acids)

By Martha Belury, PhD., R.D.
Council for Women's Nutrition Solutions

Would you get a passing grade on the latest hot topic in nutrition – trans fatty acids? If you know the ABCs of TFAs you will improve your health and not miss out on the health benefits of many foods. A recent Gallup Poll showed that 31 percent of people are making an effort to reduce trans fatty acids in their diet. But, most people may not realize that all trans fatty acids, which are found in a variety of foods, are not created equal.

Most of the trans fatty acids consumed in the American diet are man-made and come from snacks such as chips, cookies and crackers. There is a significant difference between man-made and naturally occurring trans fatty acids. Man-made trans fatty acids found in snacks and fried foods act very differently than those that occur naturally in meat and dairy products. In general, naturally occurring trans fatty acids have positive health effects, and some may even help decrease the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Several research studies have shown that the naturally occurring trans fatty acids in beef and dairy products may have heart-healthy and cancer-protective benefits.
Here are some easy ABCs to remember about trans fatty acids:
  • A – All trans fatty acids are not created equal.
  • B – Beef and dairy products contain naturally occurring trans fatty acids, which are very different from man-made trans fatty acids. These TFAs have health-protective and health-promoting properties so there's no need to reduce naturally occurring TFAs in your diet.
  • C – Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), found in meat and dairy products, is one of those naturally occurring trans fatty acids that has been shown to have positive health benefits.

Aim for a variety of naturally nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lowfat dairy and lean meat, in your diet. Foods that are naturally rich in essential nutrients, like lean beef and lowfat dairy products, are more likely to contain beneficial, naturally occurring trans fatty acids.

For more information on trans fatty acids, visit www.beefnutrition.org.

  1. Weighing In On the Weight-Control Market, Food Technology, February 2003, page 18.
  2. Willet WC, Stampfer MJ, Manson JE, Colditz GA, Speizer FE, Rosner BA, Sampson LA, Hennekens CH. Intake of trans fatty acids and risk of coronary hear disease among women. Lancet. 341:581-585, 1993.
  3. Davidson MH, Hunninghake D, Maki KC, Kwiterovich PO, Kafonek S. Comparison of the effects of lean red meat vs. lean white meat on serum lipid levels among free-living persons with hypercholesterolemia: a long-term, randomized clinical trial. Arch Intern Med. 159: 1331-1338, 1999.


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