ABSTRACT
Most double bonds of the unsaturated fatty acids in the diet have the so-called cis configuration, but fatty acids with double bonds in the trans configuration also exist. These so-called trans fatty acids (TFA) are mainly produced by the industry during the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils rich in cis-polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid) like sunflower oil and soybean oil. However, TFA are also formed by the bacterial transformation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the first stomach of ruminant animals. This chapter first summarizes the effects of TFA intake on the serum lipoprotein profile and other markers related to cardiometabolic health. Then, relationships with cardiovascular risk are discussed.
