Topic: Health
A new study found that natural trans fats in dairy foods do not increase the risk of heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Researchers reviewed evidence from 22 studies involving thousands of participants in Europe, Canada and the United States.
Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat. They occur naturally in the milk of animals such as cows, sheep, and goats, but they can also be produced artificially during the manufacture of partially hydrogenated fats.
Industrial trans fats, which can be present in some processed and fried foods, have been strongly linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The researchers wanted to determine whether the trans fats naturally found in dairy foods should be viewed in the same way.
The study reviewed evidence from 22 studies involving thousands of participants in Europe, Canada and the United States. These studies included controlled dietary trials where participants consumed dairy foods containing naturally enhanced levels of trans fats and were compared with people consuming regular dairy products. The results showed no meaningful differences in blood lipid levels between those consuming dairy foods with higher levels of natural trans fats and those consuming regular dairy products.
The study also looked at long-term cohort studies that followed thousands of people over many years, with some studies lasting more than two decades. Researchers measured levels of dairy trans fats in participants' blood and compared them with later health outcomes. Across these studies, higher levels of dairy trans fats were not associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke or cardiovascular death.
Why It Matters
This study is important for Indians because many people consume dairy products regularly as part of their diet. If natural trans fats in dairy foods do not increase the risk of heart disease, it can help alleviate concerns about consuming these products.
Key Facts
- The study reviewed evidence from 22 studies involving thousands of participants in Europe, Canada and the United States.
- Natural trans fats in dairy foods were found to have no meaningful differences in blood lipid levels compared to regular dairy products.
- Long-term cohort studies showed that higher levels of dairy trans fats were not associated with an increased risk of heart disease or type 2 diabetes.
- The study was published in the journal Nutrition Research and involved researchers from the University of Reading, among others.
- The study's lead author is Professor Ian Givens.
Key Terms
- Trans fats
- A type of unsaturated fat that occurs naturally in some foods or can be produced artificially.
- Partially hydrogenated fats
- Fats that are made by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils, which can create artificial trans fats.
Implications
This study is important for Indians because many people consume dairy products regularly as part of their diet. If natural trans fats in dairy foods do not increase the risk of heart disease, it can help alleviate concerns about consuming these products.
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