Trans-fatty Acids

Trans-fatty Acids

Context:

High intake of trans-fatty acids increases the risk of coronary heart disease, Union Health Minister informed Lok Sabha.

Trans-fatty Acids:

  • A type of dietary fat.
  • Largely produced artificially but a small amount also occurs naturally.
  • Types of trans fats –
    • Natural trans fats – Found in small amounts in meat and dairy from ruminant animals (e.g., cows, sheep).
    • Artificial trans fats – Industrially produced via partially hydrogenating unsaturated fatty acidcontaining oils, commonly found in – partially hydrogenated vegetable fats such as vanaspati, margarine, and bakery shortenings.
  • Natural trans fats are less harmful compared with Artificial trans fats.
  • Prolonged trans-fat consumption risks – heart diseases, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancers.

Adverse Health Impacts:

  • Higher heart disease– Increase total cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol (HDL).
  • Obesity and diabetes– Linked to higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
  • Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance – High blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess waist fat, abnormal cholesterol.
  • Other health issues – Infertility, certain cancers, and compromised fetal development, harming unborn babies.

National and Global Initiatives:

  • Introduction of limits in trans-fat in industrial products by FSSAI.
  • Capped trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils at 3% (2021) and 2% (2022).
  • Heart Attack Rewind Campaign – FSSAI launched a mass media campaign to raise awareness about trans fat’s harmful effects.
  • Capping Trans Fat Limits – India imposed 10% cap on trans fats in 2011, reduced to 5% in 2015.
  • Eat Right Movement – FSSAI’s initiative for safe, healthy, and sustainable food for all.
  • Green, Purple Initiative – 6-month program teaching trans-fat free, low-sodium cooking.
  • Trans Fat-Free Logo – FSSAI introduced logo for foods containing less than 0.2g/100g trans-fat.
  • World Health Organization’s “REPLACE” Guide –Eliminating industrially produced trans fats by 2023 and released a guide to help countries frame policies

Source: The Times of India


Previous Year Question

A company marketing food products advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers?

  1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils.
  2. The food products are not made out of animal fats.
  3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of consumers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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