AIMS: Description of the effects of major cis and trans fatty acids on serum lipoproteins. MAIN POINTS DISCUSSED: Trans fatty acids are formed in particular during industrial hydrogenation of oils and fats. Elaidic acid, the most important of the trans fatty acids, has an unfavorable effect on lipid metabolism that results in a negative shift of the HDL/LDL quotient. Nevertheless, due to the low concentrations in a balanced diet, its effects are only slight, and fall within the biological range of fluctuation. CONCLUSIONS: The biological effect of fatty acids varies from one class to another (saturated, mono-unsaturated, poly-unsaturated). A more accurate differentiation would be desirable. On the other hand, the overall effect of the trans isomers of fatty acids on the organism as a whole is small, so that it does not need to be discussed, for example, in dietary counseling.
AIMS: Description of the effects of major cis and trans fatty acids on serum lipoproteins. MAIN POINTS DISCUSSED: Trans fatty acids are formed in particular during industrial hydrogenation of oils and fats. Elaidic acid, the most important of the trans fatty acids, has an unfavorable effect on lipid metabolism that results in a negative shift of the HDL/LDL quotient. Nevertheless, due to the low concentrations in a balanced diet, its effects are only slight, and fall within the biological range of fluctuation. CONCLUSIONS: The biological effect of fatty acids varies from one class to another (saturated, mono-unsaturated, poly-unsaturated). A more accurate differentiation would be desirable. On the other hand, the overall effect of the trans isomers of fatty acids on the organism as a whole is small, so that it does not need to be discussed, for example, in dietary counseling.