Effect of animal and industrial trans fatty acids on HDL and LDL cholesterol levels in humans--a quantitative review

Dietary patterns related to triglyceride glucose index and risk of type 2 diabetes: a large-scale cohort study

Background

Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index has been proposed as a credible and simple surrogate indicator for insulin resistance. The primary aim of this study was to novelly examine the associations between dietary patterns reflecting variations in circulating TyG index and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This study included 120,988 participants from the UK Biobank, all of whom completed multiple 24-h dietary assessments. Dietary pattern scores were derived using reduced-rank regression (RRR) and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, based on the TyG index and approximately 80 food groups. The associations between the TyG index, related dietary pattern scores, and T2DM risk were evaluated using Cox regression models.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 11.2 years, 3,585 participants developed T2DM. A higher TyG index was significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM. The two dietary patterns derived from RRR and LASSO showed a strong correlation (ρ = 0.88, p < 0.001) and shared similar characteristics at higher scores, including greater intakes of margarine, meat, fruit juice, and potatoes, alongside lower intakes of green vegetables, oily fish, yogurt, nuts and seeds, and dried fruits. Corresponding blood profiles, including elevated levels of C-reactive protein and HbA1c, along with reduced levels of HDL-C and docosahexaenoic acid, substantiated the dietary pattern assessments. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for T2DM risk were 1.52 (95% CI: 1.33-1.73, p trend <0.001) and 1.48 (95% CI: 1.30-1.69, p trend <0.001) for dietary patterns derived using RRR and LASSO, respectively, comparing the highest to the lowest quintiles.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that a higher TyG index and specific dietary patterns, characterized by higher intakes of margarine, meat, fruit juice, and potatoes, and lower intakes of green vegetables, oily fish, yogurt, nuts and seeds, and dried fruits, are associated with an increased risk of developing T2DM. These results underscore the potential of dietary modifications targeting these patterns to mitigate T2DM risk.

Effects of coconut oil, olive oil, and butter on plasma fatty acids and metabolic risk factors: a randomized trial

There is limited evidence on the effects of different dietary sources of fats on detailed blood fatty acids (FAs). We aimed to evaluate the effects of coconut oil, olive oil and butter on circulating FA concentrations, and examine the associations between changes in plasma FAs and changes in metabolic markers. We conducted secondary analyses in the COB (coconut oil, olive oil and butter) Trial that evaluated 96 healthy adults in a 4-week parallel randomized clinical trial of three dietary interventions: 50 g/d of extra-virgin coconut oil (n = 30), extra-virgin olive oil (n = 33), or unsalted butter (n = 33). We measured plasma phospholipid FA concentrations (mol% of total) using gas chromatography. Using linear regression, we estimated the effects of the interventions on changes in FAs and the associations of changes in selected FAs with changes in metabolic markers. Coconut oil doubled lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0), butter increased those to a lesser extent, and olive oil reduced those. β (95% confidence interval) for changes in C12:0 comparing coconut oil to butter and olive oil were +0.04 (0.03-0.05) and +0.05 (0.04-0.06) mol%, respectively; for C14:0, +0.24 (0.17-0.32) and +0.37 (0.29-0.45), respectively. Olive oil increased oleic acid (OA) approximately by 1 mol%, while coconut oil and butter had little effect on OA. Butter increased odd-chain SFAs and trans-FAs while olive oil and coconut oil decreased them. Changes in FAs mostly showed no significant associations with changes in metabolic markers. The interventions of equal amounts of different food FA sources altered circulating FA concentrations differently.

Awareness, knowledge, and behaviors regarding trans unsaturated fatty acids in a sample of Lebanese adults

Lebanon is a country in the Middle East that had been witnessing nutrition transition to a westernized diet high in trans fats (TFs) and saturated fatty acids (TFAs) that had been linked to cardiovascular diseases and many other health issues. This study examines TF-related awareness, knowledge, and self-reported behaviors among a sample of Lebanese adults aged between 18 and 64 years, as well as their association with sociodemographic factors and anthropometric measurements. Using a multicomponent questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted online, across all Lebanese regions based on a convenience sampling method (n = 401). Factors associated with TF-related awareness, knowledge, and behaviors were examined by multivariate linear regression analysis. The study highlighted specific gaps in TF-related awareness, knowledge, and behavioral practices as well as differences by sociodemographic factors. Most of the participants (36%) had heard of partly hydrogenated oils (PHOs) rather than TFs (49%). A higher proportion of respondents (54%) said they understood a little about TFs, the majority had inadequate knowledge about the foods that contain TFs, and 44% said they would not give up eating their favorite snack even if they knew it contains TFs. Overall, consumers' awareness and knowledge about TFs are rather low and the majority had fair behavioral practices. In addition, being a woman and having higher education level were significantly associated with higher levels of TFs awareness, knowledge, and behavior scores. Higher behavior scores were shown in older participants, married, and those who had part-time jobs, whereas having higher income and normal weight were significantly associated with higher awareness scores. These findings offer valuable insight into TF-related awareness, knowledge, and behaviors in a sample of Lebanese adults and provide key information that could spur the development of evidence-based TFs reduction interventions specific to the Middle East.

Allele-specific effect of various dietary fatty acids and ETS1 transcription factor on SCD1 expression

Overnutrition and genetic predisposition are major risk factors for various metabolic disorders. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) plays a key role in these conditions by synthesizing unsaturated fatty acids (FAs), thereby promoting fat storage and alleviating lipotoxicity. Expression of SCD1 is influenced by various saturated and cis-unsaturated FAs, but the possible role of dietary trans FAs (TFAs) and SCD1 promoter polymorphisms in its regulations has not been addressed. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of the two main TFAs, vaccenate and elaidate, and four common promoter polymorphisms (rs1054411, rs670213, rs2275657, rs2275656) on SCD1 expression in HEK293T and HepG2 cell cultures using luciferase reporter assay, qPCR and immunoblotting. We found that SCD1 protein and mRNA levels as well as SCD1 promoter activity are markedly elevated by elaidate, but not altered by vaccenate. The promoter polymorphisms did not affect the basal transcriptional activity of SCD1. However, the minor allele of rs1054411 increased SCD1 expression in the presence of various FAs. Moreover, this variant was predicted in silico and verified in vitro to reduce the binding of ETS1 transcription factor to SCD1 promoter. Although we could not confirm an association with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the FA-dependent and ETS1-mediated effect of rs1054411 polymorphism deserves further investigation as it may modulate the development of lipid metabolism-related conditions.

Production of conjugated linoleic acid by lactic acid bacteria; important factors and optimum conditions

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has recently attracted significant attention as a health-promoting compound. CLA is a group of positional isomers of linoleic acid (LA) with a conjugated double bond naturally occurring in dairy and ruminant meat products. Microbial biosynthesis of CLA is a practical approach for commercial production due to its high safety and purity. There are some factors for the microbial CLA production such as strain type, microbial growth phase, pH, temperature and incubation time, based on which the amount and type of CLA can be controlled. Understanding the interplay of these factors is essential in optimizing the quantity and composition of microbial CLA, as discussed in the current study. Further exploration of CLA and its influences on human health remains a dynamic and evolving area of study.

Projecting cardiovascular deaths averted due to trans fat policies in the Eurasian Economic Union

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the potential impact on population health if policies designed to reduce population trans fatty acid (TFA) intake are successfully implemented in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in line with the WHO's guidelines to lower intake of TFA as a percentage of total energy intake to less than 1 %.

DESIGN

A projection exercise was conducted to estimate reductions in CVD-related deaths in countries of the EAEU if TFA policies are implemented in the EAEU. Plausibly causal, annual effects (in %) of Denmark's TFA policy on the evolution of CVD mortality rates were applied to project the potential effects of recently announced TFA policies in Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation under three TFA exposure scenarios.

SETTINGS

Member States of the EAEU: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation.

PARTICIPANTS

Data used for the projection exercise were based on estimates from natural experimental evidence from Denmark. National CVD mortality rates used were from WHO and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development datasets.

RESULTS

In all countries and in all scenarios, deaths averted were ≤ 5 deaths/100,000 in year 1 and rose in years 2 and 3. The highest projected impacts in the high-exposure scenario were seen in Kyrgyzstan (39 deaths/100 000), with the lowest occurring in Armenia (24 deaths/100 000).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the potential population health gains that can be derived from effective policies to reduce TFA in line with WHO guidance. Monitoring and surveillance systems are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the TFA reduction policies in a national context.

Dairy products and kidney function decline after myocardial infarction: A prospective analysis in the Alpha Omega Cohort

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Population-based studies have shown both beneficial and neutral associations between dairy consumption and kidney function outcomes. We investigated the association between dairy products and kidney function decline in drug-treated post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients.

METHODS

We analysed data of 2169 post-MI patients (aged 60-80 years, 81% male) of the Alpha Omega Cohort. Dietary data were collected at baseline (2002-2006) using a validated 203-item food frequency questionnaire. The 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) equation was used to estimate 40-months change in creatinine-cystatin C based glomerular filtration rate (eGFR_cr-cysC, mL/min per 1.73 m²). Beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dairy products in relation to annual eGFR_cr-cysC change were obtained from multivariable linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, energy intake, and other lifestyle and dietary factors.

RESULTS

Baseline energy-adjusted median intakes were 64 g/day for total milk, 20 g/day for hard cheeses, 18 g/day for plain yogurt, and 70 g/day for dairy desserts. Mean ± SD eGFR_cr-cysC was 84 ± 20 (13% with CKD), and annual eGFR_cr-cysC change was -1.71 ± 3.85. In multivariable models, high vs. low intakes of total milk, cheese, and dairy desserts were not associated with annual eGFR_cr-cysC change (β_{total milk}: -0.21 [-0.60; 0.19], β_cheese: -0.08 [-0.52; 0.36], β_{dairy desserts}: -0.24 [-0.72; 0.24]). High vs. low intake of yogurt was adversely associated with annual eGFR_cr-cysC change (β_{total yogurt}: -0.50 [-0.91;-0.09]), but subsequent spline analyses showed no clear dose-response association.

CONCLUSIONS

Intakes of milk, cheese or dairy desserts were not associated with a delayed kidney function decline after MI. The observed adverse association for yogurt should be interpreted with caution. Our findings require confirmation in other cohorts of coronary heart disease patients.

Major dietary lipids in nutrition and health

In this chapter, an overview of the major lipids in the diet with emphasis in nutritional aspects is provided. Triacylglycerols, i.e., glycerol esterified with three fatty acids, are the predominant constituents in dietary lipids. Therefore, this chapter focuses on the nature and nutritional significance of the main fatty acids in the diet and their possible modifications during food processing and commercialization. The main fatty acids in dietary lipids are grouped into saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nutritional implications, the latest intervention trials and health recommendations will be discussed. A brief description of the major sources of lipids in the diet is included, oils and fats standing out. Other food sources shortly commented are milk and dairy products, meat, poultry and eggs, fish, and structured lipids designed to improve functional and nutritional properties. Modifications of fatty acids as a result of processing and commercialization are discussed because of their great relevance for their health implications, especially oxidation compounds and trans fatty acids.

Palmitoylethanolamide gels edible oils

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous compound with no adverse effect for oral intakes of a gram per day. We show that PEA gels edible oils at concentrations as low as 0.5 wt%. The elastic moduli values of the formed gels are 1400 Pa at 1 wt% and 9000 Pa at 2 wt%. The study of the gels by cryo-SEM, optical microscopy and WAXS show that PEA forms lamellar solid aggregates with widths of several tens of micrometers. Upon heating, the sample shows two transitions. The first one is the gel-to-sol transition, observed by rheology and defined by the switch from a solid to a liquid behavior. During this transition, the solid particles remain but do no longer form a network. The second transition, observed at higher temperature by DSC corresponds to the melting of the solid particles.

Molecular effects of the consumption of margarine and butter varying in trans fat composition: a parallel human intervention study

BACKGROUND

Whereas the dietary intake of industrial trans fatty acids (iTFA) has been specifically associated with inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes, understanding the impact of dietary fats on human health remains challenging owing to their complex composition and individual effects of their lipid components on metabolism. The aim of this study is to profile the composition of blood, measured by the fatty acid (FAs) profile and untargeted metabolome of serum and the transcriptome of blood cells, in order to identify molecular signatures that discriminate dietary fat intakes.

METHODS

In a parallel study, the molecular effects of consuming dairy fat containing ruminant TFA (rTFA) or margarine containing iTFA were investigated. Healthy volunteers (n = 42; 45-69 y) were randomly assigned to diets containing margarine without TFA as major source of fat (wTFA control group with 0.4 g TFA per 100 g margarine), margarine with iTFA (iTFA group with 4.1 g TFA per 100 g margarine), or butter with rTFA (rTFA group with 6.3 g TFA per 100 g butter) for 4 weeks. The amounts of test products were individually selected so that fat intake contributed to 30-33% of energy requirements and TFA in the rTFA and iTFA groups contributed to up to 2% of energy intake. Changes in fasting blood values of lipid profiles (GC with flame-ionization detection), metabolome profiles (LC-MS, GC-MS), and gene expression (microarray) were measured.

RESULTS

Eighteen FAs, as well as 242 additional features measured by LC-MS (185) and GC-MS (54) showed significantly different responses to the diets (PFDR-adjusted < 0.05), mainly distinguishing butter from the margarine diets while gene expression was not differentially affected. The most abundant TFA in the butter, i.e. TFA containing (E)-octadec-11-enoic acid (C18:1 t11; trans vaccenic acid), and margarines, i.e. TFA containing (E)-octadec-9-enoic acid (C18:1 t9; elaidic acid) were reflected in the significantly different serum levels of TFAs measured after the dietary interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The untargeted serum metabolome differentiates margarine from butter intake although the identification of the discriminating features remains a bottleneck. The targeted serum FA profile provides detailed information on specific molecules differentiating not only butter from margarine intake but also diets with different content of iTFAs in margarine.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00933322.

On account of trans fatty acids and cardiovascular disease risk - There is still need to upgrade the knowledge and educate consumers

AIMS

Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are unsaturated lipids either of industrial origin or naturally occurring in ruminant meat and milk. TFAs generated through food processing (industrial) is the main source in our diet and studies provide converging evidence on their negative effect on cardiovascular health. Since April 2021, the European Commission has put into effect a regulation for TFAs providing maximum 2% of total fat in all industrially produced foods. In light of this development, we review the evidence regarding the health attributes of different types of TFAs, their dietary sources and current intakes, and we describe the history of TFA-related legislative actions in an attempt to anticipate the efficiency of new measures.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The PubMed database was searched including original research (observational and intervention studies), systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Scientific reports of competent authorities and organizations have also been screened.

CONCLUSIONS

Trans-fat elimination provides a fine example of how evidence has led to the application of horizontal regulatory measures regarding legal food ingredients in order to protect consumers' health. In EU Member States, TFAs currently provide on average less than 1% of energy (1%E) and intakes marginally exceed recommendations primarily among young adults. Large dietary surveys however provide evidence for additional, less-well known sources of TFAs in the diet. Raising public awareness of "hidden" trans-fat found naturally in foods such as cheese, as well as of the trans-fat generated through traditional cooking practices is needed, if the goal to eliminate trans-fat from the diet is to be met.

Trending Nutrition Controversies #3: Top Controversies in 2021

Each year, patients are bombarded with diverging and even contradictory reports concerning the impact of certain additives, foods, and nutrients on cardiovascular health and its risk factors. Accordingly, this third review of nutrition controversies examines the impact of artificial sweeteners, cacao, soy, plant-based meats, nitrates, and meats from grass compared to grain-fed animals on cardiovascular and other health outcomes with the goal of optimizing clinician-led diet counseling.

High Vaccenic Acid Content in Beef Fat Attenuates High Fat and High Carbohydrate Western Diet Induced Changes in Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in Pigs

High-fat diets (HFD) have been shown to induce substantial shifts in intestinal microbial community composition and activity which are associated with adverse metabolic outcomes. Furthermore, changes in microbial composition are affected by fatty acid composition; saturated, monounsaturated (MUFA), and industrial trans fats (iTFA) adversely affect microbial diversity while polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) have been shown to have neutral effects. The effects of naturally occurring trans fats on gut microbial composition are unknown. Vaccenic acid (VA) is the most abundant naturally occurring trans fat (abundant in meat and dairy), can be elevated by altering a cow's diet, and has been shown to have hypolipidemic effects. The aim of this study was to determine how variations of VA content in beef fat affect gut microbial composition, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism in pigs. Low birth weight (LBW) and control pigs were fed a control or high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet supplemented with beef fat containing either high or low VA levels for 7 weeks. An adapted modified oral glucose tolerance test and fat challenge test were performed at 9 weeks of age following implantation of jugular catheters. Impacts on microbial composition were assessed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The HFHC diet containing beef fat rich in VA had a mild insulin sensitizing effect (p < 0.05, slope of curve), increased plasma HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05, +28%), reduced postprandial plasma TG (p < 0.05), and showed protection from HFHC-induced changes to gut microbial composition in LBW pigs as compared to HFHC diet containing standard beef fat. This is the first study to show effects of natural trans fats on gut dysbiosis; further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms.

The Effect of Trans Fatty Acids on Human Health: Regulation and Consumption Patterns

Health effects of trans fatty acids (TFAs) on human organisms can vary according to their type, structure, composition, and origin. Even though the adverse health effects of industrial TFAs (iTFAs) have been widely discussed, the health effects of natural TFAs (nTFAs) are still questionable. Hence, it is important to review the literature and provide an overall picture on the health effects of different TFAs coming from industrial and ruminant sources, underlining those types that have adverse health effects as well as suggesting methods for reducing their harmful effects. Multiple databases (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, etc.) were searched with the key words "trans fatty acid sources", "ruminant", "industrial", "conjugated trans linoleic acid", "human", "coronary heart disease", "cancer", etc. Reference lists of the studies were scanned discussing the health effects of iTFAs and nTFAs. The review of the literature showed that iTFAs are found to be more harmful than ruminant-produced nTFAs. Although several beneficial effects (such as reduced risk of diabetes) for nTFAs have been observed, they should be used with caution. Since during labeling it is usually not mentioned whether the TFAs contained in food are of industrial or natural origin, the general suggestion is to reduce their consumption.

Trans-10 18:1 in ruminant meats: A review

Trans (t) fatty acids (TFA) from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (i.e., industrial trans) have been phased out of foods in many countries due to their promotion of cardiovascular disease. This leaves ruminant-derived foods as the main source of TFA. Unlike industrial TFA where catalytic hydrogenation yields a broad distribution of isomers, ruminant TFA are enzymatically derived and can result in enrichment of specific isomers. Comparisons between industrial and ruminant TFA have often exonerated ruminant TFA due to their lack or at times positive effects on health. At extremes, however, ruminant-sourced foods can have either high levels of t10- or t11-18:1, and when considering enriched sources, t10-18:1 has properties similar to industrial TFA, whereas t11-18:1 can be converted to an isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (cis(c)9,t11-conjugated linoleic acid), both of which have potential positive health effects. Increased t10-18:1 in meat-producing ruminants has not been associated with negative effects on live animal production or meat quality. As such, reducing t10-18:1 has not been of immediate concern to ruminant meat producers, as there have been no economic consequences for its enrichment; nevertheless at high levels, it can compromise the nutritional quality of beef and lamb. In anticipation that regulations regarding TFA may focus more on t10-18:1 in beef and lamb, the present review will cover its production, analysis, biological effects, strategies for manipulation, and regulatory policy.

Influence of composite flour constituents and extrusion temperature in the production of analog rice

This study was conducted to determine the effect of composite flour (CF) constituents and different extrusion temperatures on the production of analog rice and community perceptions about the produced rice. CF was produced by mixing modified cassava flour (Mocaf) and snakehead fish flour (SF) in the following ratios: 100:0; 97:3; 94:6; 91:9; and 88:12. Analog rice was then extruded from CF at the following temperatures: 50, 70, and 90°C. The analog rice was tested for physical properties (bulk density and cooking time), chemical properties (nutrient content), and organoleptic properties. The results showed that CF and extrusion temperature affect the nutrient content of analog rice. The best analog rice formulation constituted of CF with Mocaf:SF ratio of 91:9 and extrusion temperature of 70°C, and contained 14.34% water, 0.85% ash, 71.83% carbohydrate, 11.24% protein, 1.12%, calcium 1,113 ppm, and 2.43% dietary fiber. This study included 42 respondents aged 20-23 years, including 20 males and 22 females. All the respondents showed acceptance for the analog rice, suggesting that it could substitute ordinary rice as a staple food.

The homeoviscous adaptation to dietary lipids (HADL) model explains controversies over saturated fat, cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease risk

SFAs play the leading role in 1 of the greatest controversies in nutrition science. Relative to PUFAs, SFAs generally increase circulating concentrations of LDL cholesterol, a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, the purpose of regulatory mechanisms that control the diet-induced lipoprotein cholesterol dynamics is rarely discussed in the context of human adaptive biology. We argue that better mechanistic explanations can help resolve lingering controversies, with the potential to redefine aspects of research, clinical practice, dietary advice, public health management, and food policy. In this paper we propose a novel model, the homeoviscous adaptation to dietary lipids (HADL) model, which explains changes in lipoprotein cholesterol as adaptive homeostatic adjustments that serve to maintain cell membrane fluidity and hence optimal cell function. Due to the highly variable intake of fatty acids in humans and other omnivore species, we propose that circulating lipoproteins serve as a buffer to enable the rapid redistribution of cholesterol molecules between specific cells and tissues that is necessary with changes in dietary fatty acid supply. Hence, circulating levels of LDL cholesterol may change for nonpathological reasons. Accordingly, an SFA-induced raise in LDL cholesterol in healthy individuals could represent a normal rather than a pathologic response. These regulatory mechanisms may become disrupted secondarily to pathogenic processes in association with insulin resistance and the presence of other ASCVD risk factors, as supported by evidence showing diverging lipoprotein responses in healthy individuals as opposed to those with metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and obesity. Corresponding with the model, we suggest alternative contributing factors to the association between elevated LDL cholesterol concentrations and ASCVD, involving dietary factors beyond SFAs, such as an increased endotoxin load from diet-gut microbiome interactions and subsequent chronic low-grade inflammation that interferes with fine-tuned signaling pathways.

Dietary Intake of trans Fatty Acids in the Slovenian Population

Consumption of trans fatty acids (TFAs) has been unequivocally linked to several adverse health effects, with the increased risk of cardiovascular disease being one of the most well understood. To reduce TFA-related morbidity and mortality, several countries have imposed voluntary or mandatory measures to minimize the content of industrial TFAs (iTFAs) in the food supply. In 2018, Slovenia introduced a ban on iTFAs on top of preceding voluntary calls to industry to reduce its use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) as the main source of iTFAs. To investigate the consumption of TFAs, data available from the nationally representative dietary survey SI.Menu were analyzed. The survey consisted of two 24-h non-consecutive day recalls from 1248 study participants from three age groups (10–17, 18–64, 65–74 years old), combined with socio-demographic, socio-economic, and lifestyle parameters. The analyses demonstrated that, on average, TFAs accounted for 0.38–0.50% of total energy intake (TEI). However, 13% of adolescents, 29.4% of adults, and 41.8% of the elderly population still consumed more than 0.50% TEI with TFAs. The main sources of TFAs in the diet were naturally present TFAs from butter, meat dishes, and meat products, regardless of the age group. Results indicate that following the reformulation activities, the major sources of TFAs in the diets of the Slovenian population now represent foods which are natural sources of TFAs.

Cow's Milk and Dairy Consumption: Is There Now Consensus for Cardiometabolic Health?

Cow's milk and dairy products derived from this complex food source have long been proposed as beneficial to human health, yet underlying clinical evidence of direct benefit continues to raise controversy. Limited evidence supports positive cardiometabolic effects of a number of dairy macro- and micronutrient components including whey protein and casein, unsaturated fats, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and polar phospholipids, vitamin D and calcium, in addition to non-bovine components including bacterial and yeast probiotics. More controversial remain lipid components trans fats, including trans vaccenic acid, trans palmitoleic acid, and conjugated cis trans linoleic acid (CLA), plus medium-chain and odd-chain dairy fats. New evidence is rapidly identifying multiple pathways by which these dairy nutrients may effect health. Processing, including fermentation and homogenization, may also have positive effects. Conversely, the high saturated fat content of dairy has long raised concern, aligned with international guidelines to minimize dietary intake of animal-origin saturated fatty acids (SFA) to achieve better cardiometabolic health. However, led in part by observational studies and meta-analyses showing dairy to have no or even an inverse association with cardiometabolic health, evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been scrutinized over the last 5 years, and focus on low-fat dairy has been challenged. Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that adverse effects of SFAs on metabolic health may be ameliorated when these fats are consumed within a complex matrix such as milk, cheese or yogurt, and that dairy food categories may influence outcomes as much as total fat content. For example, yogurt and high-fat, high-SFA cheese have a negative association with risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in many, not all, published trials. However, large sample dairy RCTs of long duration with CVD or T2D incidence as primary endpoints are lacking. This is a clear research gap, with these clinical studies required if a causative link between dairy and improved cardiometabolic health is to be confirmed and in turn promoted through dietary guidelines. Current advisories from national guidance groups such as American Heart Association (AHA) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) continue to promote consumption of low-fat dairy products, whilst liquid milk and yogurt remain part of nutrition guidelines from joint American Diabetes Association (ADA)/European Association for Study of Diabetes (EASD) reports, and as part of a "no-one-size-fits-all" answer to diet and T2D by the ADA in their most recent 2019 Consensus Report.

The effects of amino acids and fatty acids on the disease resistance of Epinephelus fuscoguttatus in response to Vibrio vulnificus infection

Mass mortality resulting from bacterial infection poses a major problem in the grouper aquaculture industry. The purpose of this study was to profile the metabolites released in challenged fish and to reconstruct the metabolic pathways of brown marble grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) in response to Vibrio vulnificus infection. Metabolite profiles from control and challenged treatment groups after feeding were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Forty metabolites were identified from the GC-MS analysis. These metabolites comprised of amino acids, fatty acids, organic acids and carbohydrates. The profiles showed the highest percent area (33.1%) for leucine from the amino acid class in infected fish compared to the control treatment group (12.3%). Regarding the fatty acid class, a higher percent area of the metabolite 8,11-eicosadienoic acid (27.04%) was observed in fish infected with V. vulnificus than in the control treatment group (22.5%). Meanwhile, in the carbohydrate class, glucose (47.0%) was the metabolite in the carbohydrate class present at highest percentage in the control treatment group compared to infected fish (30.0%). Our findings highlight the importance of a metabolic analysis for understanding the changes of metabolites in E. fuscoguttatus in response to bacterial infections.

Ruminant and industrial trans-fatty acids consumption and cardiometabolic risk markers: A systematic review

The development of cardiometabolic diseases is related to conditions such as obesity, abdominal fat, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, elevated blood pressure and changes in lipid profile. The whole of Trans Fatty Acid (TFA) intake is associated with the increase of cardiometabolic risk factors. There are two main sources of TFA, the ruminant TFA (rTFA) which are produced by biohydrogenation in animal's rumen, and the industrial TFA (iTFA), produced by hydrogenation of vegetable oils, the individual effect of each group is still controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of industrially and ruminants TFA intake on cardiometabolic risk in adults. It was carried out a systematic search of the literature in October 2019 and two independent authors selected and extracted data from articles. After the selection process, nine clinical trials were included, and summary tables were constructed to present data for all outcomes. The results showed that both sources of TFA can increase cardiometabolic risk parameters, especially lipid profile. At levels up to 1.5%-7% of energy, the effect of rTFA seems to be greater than iTFA and it seems to be greater in women. However, rTFA seems to be less harmful than iTFA for High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, although for total cholesterol and Low density Lipoprotein cholesterol it may be worse. In summary, both sources of TFA can increase cardiometabolic risk parameters, especially lipid profile. However, the dose of TFA and the whole composition of the food must be considered.

A trans-fatty acid-rich diet promotes liver tumorigenesis in HCV core gene transgenic mice

Excess consumption of trans-fatty acid (TFA), an unsaturated fatty acid containing trans double bonds, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. However, little is known about the link between TFA and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) despite it being a frequent form of cancer in humans. In this study, the impact of excessive dietary TFA on hepatic tumorigenesis was assessed using hepatitis C virus (HCV) core gene transgenic mice that spontaneously developed HCC. Male transgenic mice were treated for 5 months with either a control diet or an isocaloric TFA-rich diet that replaced the majority of soybean oil with shortening. The prevalence of liver tumors was significantly higher in TFA-rich diet-fed transgenic mice compared with control diet-fed transgenic mice. The TFA-rich diet significantly increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), leading to high p62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) expression. Furthermore, the TFA diet activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and stimulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, synergistically upregulating cyclin D1 and c-Myc, driving cell proliferation. Excess TFA intake also promoted fibrogenesis and ductular reaction, presumably contributing to accelerated liver tumorigenesis. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a TFA-rich diet promotes hepatic tumorigenesis, mainly due to persistent activation of NF-κB and NRF2-p62/SQSTM1 signaling, ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways and fibrogenesis. Therefore, HCV-infected patients should avoid a TFA-rich diet to prevent liver tumor development.

Energy Density and Nutrient Contents of Selective Chinese New Year Snacks

BACKGROUND

In this study, the energy density and nutrient contents of thirty Chinese New Year (CNY) snacks commonly consumed in the Asian region during the CNY festive season were measured.

METHODS

Calorie Answer™, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were the main methods applied in this study.

RESULTS

All snacks showed high energy density (kJ/100 g) and the nutrient content, including macro-and micronutrients of these snacks were remarkably different. The most abundant minerals in these snacks include sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2) acids were the main fatty acids and trans-fat was only identified in Butter cookies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a large database on macro- and micronutrient contents in CNY snacks consumed in the Asian region that has not been previously reported. Our results indicate that the snacks were generally energy-dense and nutrient-poor. This study provides necessary information to enable the reformulation of snacks with lower saturated fat and sodium content. It is also a source of information for consumers to select healthier snacks.

Evolution of Trans-fatty acid consumption in Thailand and strategies for its reduction

Eliminating industrially produced trans-fatty acids (TFAs) from the food supply is one of the World Health Organization's (WHO's) priority targets to control and prevent non-communicable diseases. This review paper describes the strategies used to reduce TFA consumption in Thailand based on a situation analysis consisting of an assessment of TFA content in the national food supply, its intake, and stakeholder-based analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). The analysis resulted in the drafting of a regulatory approach, which was then considered by stakeholders. Bakery products containing partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) are the major sources of TFAs in Thailand. Palm and coconut oil as well as blending technology are locally available as PHO replacements. Thailand's Food and Drug Administration has taken legal action to prohibit the production, import, and distribution of PHOs and their products. Post-marketing TFA levels are currently being monitored, ie, TFAs in fat/oil and butter must not exceed 2% and 6% of fat content, respectively. For other food categories, TFAs must not exceed 0.5 g per serving unless the TFAs are from ruminant sources. The key factor to successfully reducing TFAs in Thailand is the partnership between public and private sectors, professional associations, and consumers, based on scientific evidence regarding the negative impact of TFA intake on cardiovascular health.

Comparative Effects of Dietary Hemp and Poppy Seed Oil on Lipid Metabolism and the Antioxidant Status in Lean and Obese Zucker Rats

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the dietary inclusion of hemp seed oil (HO) and poppy seed oil (PO) on the lipid metabolism and antioxidant status of lean and genetically obese Zucker rats. The rats were fed a control diet for laboratory rodents or a modification with HO or PO. Both oils reduced body and epididymal fat and liver cholesterol levels and promoted oxidative stress in the liver of obese rats. The HO reduced plasma triglycerides and had a stronger liver cholesterol-lowering effect in obese rats than PO. In the lean rats, HO and PO had no effects on the body fat content, plasma lipid profile, or lipid metabolism in the liver. HO considerably elevated the content of α-linolenic acid in the liver and increased the liver ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in the lean rats. In conclusion, the regular consumption of both oils increases the accumulation of essential fatty acids in the liver of healthy animals, whilst not having any adverse effects on the body, whereas in genetically obese rats, the effects of both dietary oils on the lipid metabolism and antioxidant status are unequivocal and only partially beneficial.

Mechanisms of Action of trans Fatty Acids

Human studies have established a positive association between the intake of industrial trans fatty acids and the development of cardiovascular diseases, leading several countries to enact laws that restrict the presence of industrial trans fatty acids in food products. However, trans fatty acids cannot be completely eliminated from the human diet since they are also naturally present in meat and dairy products of ruminant animals. Moreover, bans on industrial trans fatty acids have not yet been instituted in all countries. The epidemiological evidence against trans fatty acids by far overshadows mechanistic insights that may explain how trans fatty acids achieve their damaging effects. This review focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the deleterious effects of trans fatty acids by juxtaposing effects of trans fatty acids against those of cis-unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). This review also carefully explores the argument that ruminant trans fatty acids have differential effects from industrial trans fatty acids. Overall, in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that industrial trans fatty acids promote inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, although to a lesser degree than SFAs, whereas cis-unsaturated fatty acids are protective against ER stress and inflammation. Additionally, industrial trans fatty acids promote fat storage in the liver at the expense of adipose tissue compared with cis-unsaturated fatty acids and SFAs. In cultured hepatocytes and adipocytes, industrial trans fatty acids, but not cis-unsaturated fatty acids or SFAs, stimulate the cholesterol synthesis pathway by activating sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) 2-mediated gene regulation. Interestingly, although industrial and ruminant trans fatty acids show similar effects on human plasma lipoproteins, in preclinical models, only industrial trans fatty acids promote inflammation, ER stress, and cholesterol synthesis. Overall, clearer insight into the molecular mechanisms of action of trans fatty acids may create new therapeutic windows for the treatment of diseases characterized by disrupted lipid metabolism.

Effect of a Family-Based Intervention on Nutrient Biomarkers, Desaturase Enzyme Activities, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children with Overweight and Obesity

BACKGROUND

Developing dietary strategies to prevent excess weight gain during childhood is critical to stem the current obesity epidemic and associated adverse cardiometabolic consequences.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess how participation in a family-based weight-management intervention affected nutrient biomarkers and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) in children (7-12 y old; n = 321) with baseline BMI z score (BMIz) ≥85th percentile.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis from a randomized-controlled, parallel-arm clinical trial. Families of children, recruited from a largely Hispanic population, were assigned to Standard Care (SC; American Academy of Pediatrics overweight/obesity recommendations), or SC + Enhanced Program (SC + EP; 8 skill-building cores, monthly support sessions, targeted diet/physical activity strategies). Nutrient biomarkers (plasma carotenoids, fat-soluble vitamins, RBC fatty acid profiles, desaturase indexes) and CMRFs were measured in archived blood samples collected at baseline and the end of the 1-y intervention.

RESULTS

Children in both groups had significantly lower trans fatty acid and higher pentadecylic acid (15:0), PUFA n-3, and β-carotene concentrations, indicative of decreased hydrogenated fat and increased dairy, vegetable oil, fish, and fruit/vegetable intake, respectively. Similar changes were seen in de novo lipogenesis and desaturase indexes, as well as CMRFs (BMIz, lipid profile, inflammation, adipokines, liver enzymes) in both groups. Using multiple logistic regression, increase in carotenoids and decrease in endogenously synthesized SFA, MUFA, PUFA n-6, and desaturase indexes were associated with improvements in BMIz, blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose metabolism, inflammatory biomarkers, adipokines, and liver enzymes. Trans fatty acids were associated with improvements in BMIz, glucose metabolism, and leptin, with less favorable effects on inflammatory markers and adiponectin.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing targeted family-based behavioral counseling, as part of SC, can help overweight/obese children adopt healthier eating patterns that are associated with modest improvements in BMIz and several CMRFs. Limited additional benefit was observed with SC + EP. These results provide critical data to design subsequent interventions to increase the impact of family-based obesity prevention programs.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00851201.

Impaired fasting glucose prevalence surge among Iranian adolescents in a decade: The Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

PURPOSE

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is associated with incident diabetes, cardiovascular risk, and markers of atherosclerosis in early adulthood. We aimed to explore the 10-year change in IFG prevalence among adolescent participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, a population-based study from Iran.

METHODS

For our study, we used data on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), anthropometric, and demographic information of 11 to 19-year-old adolescents in study periods I (1999-2005; 1415 boys, 1583 girls) and II (2011-2014; 477 boys, 469 girls). Sex-adjusted and sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship of the study period (reference: study period I) with IFG.

RESULTS

The prevalence of IFG, general obesity, and central obesity increased from 7%, 13.3%, and 18.8% in study period I to 16.6%, 24%, and 37.4% in study period II; while a favorable trend was seen for blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In the fully adjusted model, being older (age group 15-19 vs 11-14 years) and female sex were associated with lower risk. Being overweight and obese increased the risk by risk ratios (confidence interval) of 1.57 (1.17-2.11) and 1.63 (1.15-2.30), respectively. Central adiposity did not remain as an independent risk factor. Nevertheless, study period persisted as a significant factor despite all adjustments [2.20 (1.81-2.68)]. Results in the sex-stratified models were generally the same.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that the over 2-fold rise in IFG prevalence among adolescents was not solely dependent on general and central obesity.

Some biochemical studies on trans fatty acid-containing diet

trans fatty acids (TFA's) are unsaturated fatty acid which have one or more double bond, they are present naturally and most of it is artificial, fried, baked food and margarine are major sources of TFA, there are several biological effects of TFAs on body health, various study showed that dietary TFA associated with various health disorders such as Diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), Obesity, breast cancer, prostatic cancer infertility, and coronary artery disease (CAD). The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015 encourages eliminations of trans fatty acids. The diet which related to non-communicable diseases include TFA should be eliminated, WHO's European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015-2020 suggested that TFAs should be less than 1% of the daily energy intake include natural origin. So the aim of this review, to know more than about trans acids, their nature, sources, and their different effect on health and how can analysis it.

Comparison of plasma levels of different species of trans fatty acids in Japanese male patients with acute coronary syndrome versus healthy men

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It remains unclear how trans fatty acid (TFA) at low-level intake affect lipid levels and the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The study aimed to investigate how plasma TFA composition differs between male patients with ACS and healthy men.

METHODS

Plasma fatty acid (FA) composition (as determined by gas chromatography) was analyzed in ACS patients on hospital admission and compared to that of age-adjusted healthy men.

RESULTS

Total FA and TFA levels were similar between ACS and control subjects. Palmitelaidic acid, ruminant-derived TFA (R-TFA), levels were lower in ACS patients (0.17 ± 0.06 vs. 0.20 ± 0.06 of total FA, in ACS and control, respectively, p<0.01), and were significantly directly associated with HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (rho = 0.269) and n-3 polyunsaturated FA (n-3 PUFA) (rho = 0.442). Linoleic trans isomers (total C18:2 TFA), primary industrially-produced TFA (IP-TFAs), were significantly higher in ACS patients (0.68 ± 0.17 vs. 0.60 ± 0.20 of total FA, in ACS and control, respectively). Total trans-C18:1 isomers were comparable between ACS and control. Differences between ACS and controls in C18:1 trans varied by specific C18:1 trans species. Absolute concentrations of trans-C18:2 isomers were significantly directly associated with LDL-C and non-HDL-C in ACS men. The ACS patients showed significantly lower levels of both n-6 and n-3 PUFA (i.e., eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids).

CONCLUSIONS

There were several case-control differences in specific TFA that could potential affect risk for ACS. Japanese ACS patients, especially middle-aged patients, may consume less R-TFA.

Trans-vaccenic acid inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via a mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway

Background

Intake of trans fatty acids (TFAs) from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is associated with a variety of adverse outcomes, but little is known about the health effects of ruminant trans fats. Trans-vaccenic acid (TVA) is a naturally occurring TFA found in the fat of ruminants and in human dairy products. The present study was conducted to investigate the anticancer activity and underlying mechanisms of TVA on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) 5-8F and CNE-2 cells.

Methods

A CCK8 assay was used to determine the effect of TVA and the Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845 on the proliferation of NPC cells. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of factors associated with Bcl-2-family protein signaling and Akt signaling.

Results

TVA significantly inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic investigation demonstrated that TVA significantly decreased p-Akt levels and Bad phosphorylation on Ser-136 and Ser-112. More importantly, we discovered that the Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845 synergistically sensitized NPC cells to apoptosis induction by TVA.

Conclusion

TVA can inhibit NPC cell growth and induced apoptosis through the inhibition of Bad/Akt phosphorylation. The combined use of TVA and Mcl-1 inhibitors offers a potential advantage for nasopharyngeal cancer treatment.

Fatty acid profile, mineral content, and palatability of beef from a multibreed Angus-Brahman population

Consumers demand meat that is both healthy and palatable, 2 attributes of meat that are affected by lipid content. Many cattle in the southern United States are Bos indicus influenced, as this improves the ability to survive and thrive in these subtropical regions. However, these animals tend to have leaner carcasses and less marbled meat products. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of percent Brahman genetics on carcass characteristics, palatability, fatty acids profile, and minerals content in LM of steers from a multibreed population ranging from 100% Angus to 100% Brahman. Breed effect was significant for birth weight (P = 0.0003), weaning weight (P < 0.0001), HCW (P < 0.0001), dressing percentage (P = 0.0008), ribeye area (P = 0.002), quality grade (P < 0.0001), and marbling score (P < 0.0001), and all these traits except dressing percentage decreased as the percentage of Brahman increased. Among palatability traits, breed group had a significant effect only on tenderness (TEND) and connective tissue (CT) scores (P < 0.0001). Least squares means decreased from Angus (5.75 ± 0.13 TEND score and 6.29 ± 0.14 CT score, respectively) to Brahman (4.84 ± 0.10 TEND score and 5.49 ± 0.11 CT score, respectively) as indicated by a significant linear effect. Breed group significantly affected the percentage of several individual fatty acids, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), but not monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The 100% Angus group had the highest percentage of SFA at 49.92%, which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the SFA percentage in the 50%, 75%, and 100% Brahman breed groups. Brangus animals also had an increased SFA percentage compared with the 100% Brahman animals (P < 0.05). No significant effect was identified for the concentration of PUFA across the 6 breed groups (P = 0.14). Least squares means decreased from 100% Angus to 100% Brahman for concentration of total fat, SFA, and MUFA (g/mg meat). The concentration of magnesium (P < 0.0001), phosphorus (P = 0.06), and potassium (P = 0.06) increased as the percentage of Brahman increased. Our study shows that breed has a significant effect on the fatty acid profile of beef. Cattle with high Brahman percentage, which are characterized by lower marbled meat, will present a more favorable healthfulness profile with reduced content of SFA and MUFA but the same content of PUFA as purebred Angus animals.

Mechanisms of isomerization and oxidation in heated trilinolein by DFT method

In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the heat-induced cis/trans isomerization and oxidative cleavage of trilinolein, a highly purified sample was heated at a range of temperatures (120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 220 °C) for 5 h.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress may be involved in insulin resistance and lipid metabolism disorders of the white adipose tissues induced by high-fat diet containing industrial trans-fatty acids

BACKGROUND

Consumption of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) can result in alteration to lipid profile and glucose metabolism. Moreover, a diet high in iTFAs could increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glucose and lipid metabolism are closely linked in white adipose tissue (WAT), yet the underlying mechanisms of the effect of iTFAs in WAT are poorly understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Parameters of glucose homeostasis, lipid profiles and markers of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress of WAT were measured in rats maintained on a high-fat diet containing margarine (HFD-M) (n=10) compared to controls maintained on standard chow (n=10) over 16 weeks.

RESULTS

Fat mass and body weight was significantly increased in rats maintained on the HFD-M compared to controls (P<0.01). HFD-M rats had increased levels of insulin (INS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and serum lipid profile was significantly altered. The expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and the phosphorylation of inositol-requiring enzyme 1-alpha and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were significantly increased in subcutaneous and retroperitoneal adipose depots of HFD-M-fed rats. In vitro, wider ER lumens were observed in 100μmol/L elaidic acid (EA)-treated human mature adipocytes. We observed activation of ER stress markers, impaired INS receptor signaling and increased lipogenesis in adipocytes after EA exposure. These effects could be alleviated by inhibiting ER stress in adipocytes in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Collectively these data suggest that ER stress may be involved in INS resistance and lipid metabolism disorders induced by high-fat diet containing iTFAs. These findings suggest that WAT could be regarded as a key target organ for inhibiting ER stress to reverse the impaired INS receptor signaling, alleviate lipid metabolism disorders, and provide a novel approach to prevent and treat INS resistance and dyslipidemia-related chronic diseases such as T2MD and CVDs.

Cardiometabolic risk factors in vegans; A meta-analysis of observational studies

Background

There is increasing evidence that plant based diets are associated with lower cardiovascular risk.

Objective

To evaluate effects of a vegan compared to an omnivorous diet on cardio-metabolic risk factors.

Methods

Meta-analysis of observational studies published between 1960 and June 2018 that reported one or more cardio-metabolic risk factors in vegans and controls eating an omnivorous diet were undertaken. Macro-nutrient intake and cardio-metabolic risk factors were compared by dietary pattern. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of each study. The inverse-variance method was used to pool mean differences. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan software version 5•2 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen.

Results

40 studies with 12 619 vegans and 179 630 omnivores were included. From food frequency questionnaires in 28 studies, vegans compared to omnivores consumed less energy (-11%, 95% confidence interval -14 to -8) and less saturated fat (- 51%, CI -57 to -45). Compared to controls vegans had a lower body mass index (-1.72 kg/m², CI -2.30 to -1.16), waist circumference (-2.35 cm, CI -3.93 to -0.76), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.49 mmol/L CI -0.62 to -0.36), triglycerides (-0.14 mmol/L, CI -0.24 to -0.05), fasting blood glucose (-0.23 mmol/, CI -0.35 to -0.10), and systolic (-2.56 mmHg, CI -4.66 to -0.45) and diastolic blood pressure (-1.33 mmHg, CI -2.67 to -0.02), p<0.0001 for all. Results were consistent for studies with < and ≥ 50 vegans, and published before and after 2010. However in several large studies from Taiwan a vegan diet was not associated with favourable cardio-metabolic risk factors compared to the control diets.

Conclusion

In most countries a vegan diet is associated with a more favourable cardio- metabolic profile compared to an omnivorous diet.

Test Paper for Colorimetric Inspection of Fatty Acids and Edible Oils

Fatty acids (FAs) are of interest to the areas of food science and medicine because they are important dietary sources of fuel for animals and play important roles in many biological processes. The health effects of FAs are different due to the diversity of olefinic bonds in the alkyl chains including number, position and configuration. However, the discrimination of FAs is difficult from a chemical sensing perspective due to the lack of diversity in terms of functional groups. Until now, only a few chemosensors have been developed for selective sensing of FAs based on their overall shape, however they are still limited in discrimination of FAs with subtle structural differences, moreover, they cannot be used for rapid and in situ inspections. Herein, for the first time, we designed a test paper for in situ colorimetric inspection for FAs based on the combination of the highly selective binding of Ag⁺ to olefinic bonds and Ag⁺ mediated color variation of 3,3′,5,5′,-tetramethylbenzidine. As a result, the sensor exhibited high sensitivity and good selectivity for five FAs with subtle structural differences. Furthermore, our method described herein was successfully applied to monitor the structural variations of FAs and quality changes in mixture edible hot pot oils with heat treatment in time course. Hence, the test paper presented herein holds great potential in the inspection of fats and edible oils in food industries.

Meat, eggs, full-fat dairy, and nutritional boogeymen: Does the way in which animals are raised affect health differently in humans?

Background: Food recommendations to improve cancer prevention are generally based on epidemiologic data and remain inconsistent. These epidemiologic studies, while controversial, have generally produced results that caution against the consumption of high-fat foods, including eggs, red meat, and full-fat dairy, such as butter and cheese. Yet, limited data exist assessing the quality of individual sources of these foods and the effect each has after its consumption. This study set out to assess the impact sources of food within the same groups from animals raised differently on variables associated with health in human studies. Methods and Materials: A search was conducted through MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed. In total, twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria, measuring physiologic changes in humans after consuming animal products following animal diet manipulation. A meta-analysis was attempted to assess the differences between the cohorts in these studies, but was aborted due to poor study quality, vast differences in study design, and a limited number of studies. Results: Studies varied by animal, animal diet manipulation, food product, and overall design. Significant differences were present between groups eating the same food (cheese, beef, eggs, and butter) from animals raised differently, including levels of: conjugated linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids (alpha linoleic acid [ALA], docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), and inflammatory factors (triacyl glycerol [TAG], interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-8 [IL-8], tumor necrosis factor [TNF], and C-reactive protein [CRP]). Lipid levels were minimally affected. Conclusions: This work highlights differences in human health markers after consumption of the same foods from animals raised differently. Overall, lipid levels remained relatively neutral, but significant changes in inflammatory and other serum markers and phospholipids were present. Future studies and dietary recommendations should consider how animals are raised, as this can produce different effects on health markers.

Effect of different commercial fat sources on brain, liver and blood lipid profiles of rats in growth phase

PURPOSE

To investigate the fatty acid content of different fat sources and evaluate the effect of them on plasma and hepatic lipids and on the fatty acid profile of the brain tissue of Wistar rats.

METHODS

Thirty male albino Wistar rats received for 59 days, the following diets: diet added of margarine with low content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA); diet added of margarine with high content of PUFA; diet added of butter; diet added of hydrogenated vegetable fat; diet added of soybean oil. Fatty acid profile of the lipid sources, blood and hepatic lipids fractions and fatty acid profile of the brain tissue were determined.

RESULTS

Margarine consumption of provided different responses as to concentrations of blood and hepatic lipid fractions. Intake of butter and hydrogenated increased LDL-c/HDL-c ratio, being the steepest increase promoted by hydrogenated vegetable fat, which also raised LDL-c levels expressively. All fats used in the treatments reduced the cerebral concentration of docosahexaenoic acid when compared to soybean oil (control).

CONCLUSION

The different fat sources commonly consumed by population provided different responses in vivo. This is particularly relevant considering the role of these lipids in the incidence and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Correlation of trans fatty acids with the severity of coronary artery disease lesions

BACKGROUND

Nutritional choices, which include the source of dietary fatty acids (FA), have an important significant impact on coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to determine on patients with CAD the relationships between Trans fatty acids (Trans FA) and different CAD associated parameters such as inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in addition to Gensini score as a vascular severity index.

METHODS

Fatty acid profiles were established by gas chromatography from 111 CAD patients compared to 120 age-matched control group. Lipid peroxidation biomarkers, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters and Gensini score were studied.

RESULTS

Our study showed a significant decrease of the antioxidant parameters levels such as erythrocyte glutathione peroxydase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, plasma antioxidant status (FRAP) and thiol (SH) groups in CAD patients. On the other hand, catalase activity, conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde were increased. Plasmatic and erythrocyte Trans FA were also increased in CAD patients compared to controls. Furthermore, divergent associations of these Trans FA accumulations were observed with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol/ high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio, Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipid peroxidation parameters, high-sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Gensini score. Especially, elaidic acid (C18:1 trans 9), trans C18:2 isomers and trans 11 eicosanoic acid are correlated with these parameters. Trans FA are also associated with oxidative stress, confirmed by a positive correlation between C20:1 trans 11 and GPx in erythrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

High level of Trans FA was highly associated with the induction of inflammation, oxidative stress and lipoperoxidation which appear to be based on the vascular severity and might be of interest to assess the stage and progression of atherosclerosis. The measurement of these Trans FA would be of great value for the screening of lipid metabolism disorders in CAD patients.

Animal fat replacement by vegetable oils in formulations of breads with flour mixes

The improvement of fatty acids (FA) profile of bread made with bovine fat (BF) and a mixture of flours completely replacing fat with canola oil (CO), or olive oil (OO) was evaluated. Technological and sensory characteristics and overall acceptability of the fortified breads were also studied. The results showed a decrease in saturated FA and a relative increase in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA compared to bread made with BF. Regarding CO, this caused the higher increase in n3 FA. This effect was maximized in bread made from the mixture of wheat flour (WF) + flaxseed flour (FF) + soybean flour (SF). OO caused a rise of n9 and n6 FA, mainly in bread made with WF + FF + wheat bran (WB). The breads with WF + FF + SF + CO and WF + FF + WB + OO presented higher specific volume, softer crumb and colour similar to those from base formulations. Furthermore, they had a very good sensory acceptance.

Study of Trans Fatty Acid Formation in Oil by Heating Using Model Compounds

The intake of trans fatty acids (TFAs) in foods changes the ratio of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in blood, which causes cardiovascular disease. TFAs are formed by trans isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). The most recognized formation mechanisms of TFAs are hydrogenation of liquid oil to form partially hydrogenated oil (PHO,) and biohydrogenation of UFAs to form TFA in ruminants. Heating oil also forms TFAs; however, the mechanism of formation, and the TFA isomers formed have not been well investigated. In this study, the trans isomerization mechanism of unsaturated fatty acid formation by heating was examined using the model compounds oleic acid, trioleate, linoleic acid, and trilinoleate for liquid plant oil. The formation of TFAs was found to be suppressed by the addition of an antioxidant and argon gas. Furthermore, the quantity of formed TFAs correlated with the quantity of formed polymer in trioleate heated with air and oxygen. These results suggest that radical reactions form TFAs from UFAs by heating. Furthermore, trans isomerization by heating oleic acid and linoleic acid did not change the original double bond positions. Therefore, the distribution of TFA isomers formed was very simple. In contrast, the mixtures of TFA isomers formed from PHO and ruminant UFAs are complicated because migration of double bonds occurs during hydrogenation and biohydrogenation. These findings suggest that trans isomerization by heating is executed by a completely different mechanism than in hydrogenation and biohydrogenation.

Comparison of high and low trans-fatty acid consumers: analyses of UK National Diet and Nutrition Surveys before and after product reformulation

OBJECTIVE

The WHO encourages the virtual elimination of artificial trans-fatty acids (TFA), which increase CHD risk. Our UK analysis explores whether voluntary reformulation results in differential TFA intakes among socio-economic groups by determining characteristics of high TFA consumers before and after product reformulation.

DESIGN

Food intake was collected by 7d weighed records pre-reformulation and 4d diaries post-reformulation. Sociodemographic characteristics of TFA consumers above the WHO limit, and of the top 10 % of TFA consumers as a percentage food energy, were compared with those of lower TFA consumers. Multivariate logistic regression determined independent socio-economic predictors of being a top 10 % consumer.

SUBJECTS

UK National Diet and Nutrition Surveys (NDNS) for adults aged 19-64 years pre-reformulation (2000/01; N 1724) and post-reformulation (2010/11-2011/12; N 848).

RESULTS

Post-reformulation 2·5 % of adults exceeded the WHO limit, v. 57 % pre-reformulation. In unadjusted analyses, high TFA consumption was associated with lower income, lower education and long-term illness/disability pre- but not post-reformulation. In adjusted pre-reformulation analyses, degree holders were half as likely as those without qualifications to be top 10 % consumers (OR=0·51; 95 % CI 0·28, 0·92). In adjusted post-reformulation analyses, those with higher income were 2·5-3·3 times more likely to be top 10 % consumers than lowest income households. Pre-reformulation, high consumers consumed more foods containing artificial TFA, whereas ruminant TFA were more prominent post-reformulation.

CONCLUSIONS

High TFA consumption was associated with socio-economic disadvantage pre-reformulation, but evidence of this is less clear post-reformulation. Voluntary reformulation appeared effective in reducing TFA content in many UK products with mixed effects on dietary inequalities relating to income and education.

An exploration of socio-economic and food characteristics of high trans fatty acid consumers in the Dutch and UK national surveys after voluntary product reformulation

Trans fatty acids (TFA) increase the risk of mortality and chronic diseases. TFA intakes have fallen since reformulation, but may still be high in certain, vulnerable, groups. This paper investigates socio-economic and food consumption characteristics of high TFA consumers after voluntary reformulation in the Netherlands and UK. Post-reformulation data of adults aged 19-64 was analysed in two national surveys: the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS) collected 2007-2010 using 2*24hr recalls (N = 1933) and the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) years 3&4 collected 2010/11 and 2011/12 using 4-day food diaries (N = 848). The socio-economic and food consumption characteristics of the top 10% and remaining 90% TFA consumers were compared. Means of continuous data were compared using t-tests and categorical data means using chi-squared tests. Multivariate logistic regression models indicated which socio-demographic variables were associated with high TFA consumption. In the Dutch analyses, women and those born outside the Netherlands were more likely to be top 10% TFA consumers than men and Dutch-born. In the UK unadjusted analyses there was no significant trend in socio-economic characteristics between high and lower TFA consumers, but there were regional differences in the multivariate logistic regression analyses. In the Netherlands, high TFA consumers were more likely to be consumers of cakes, buns & pastries; cream; and fried potato than the remaining 90%. Whereas in the UK, high TFA consumers were more likely to be consumers of lamb; cheese; and dairy desserts and lower crisps and savoury snack consumers. Some socio-demographic differences between high and lower TFA consumers were evident post-reformulation. High TFA consumers in the Dutch 2007-10 survey appeared more likely to obtain TFA from artificial sources than those in the UK survey. Further analyses using more up-to-date food composition databases may be needed.