The scientific basis for trans fatty acid regulations-is it sufficient? A European perspective.

The C18:1 trans fatty acids (TFA) comprise a variety of positional isomers, but no definite differences have been documented so far between the metabolic and health effects of industrial and ruminant TFA. In Europe the intake of industrially produced TFA (IP-TFA) has declined, and the majority of TFA are of ruminant origin. TFA have been replaced with cis-unsaturates in soft margarines and they have been reduced also in industrial fats, but often by using palm kernel oils. When modifying the dietary fat composition the proportion of saturated plus TFA should be kept to one-third of total dietary fatty acid intake.