TRANS FATTY ACIDS: SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS AND LABELLING

Trans fatty acids (TFA) have been the subject of much discussion since IDF published a review of current knowledge in Bulletin No 377/2002. This new issue reviews the development in legal provisions for TFA in foods in the few countries that have done this, examines the scientific basis for such requirements, and explains the facts concerning the differing physiological effects on lipid metabolism, cardiovascular disease (CHD), diabetes etc of TFA from different sources. It also considers the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on lipid metabolism, diabetes, cancer and immune function, with a mention of the analytical methods available. (84 references).