Study of the Impact of Trans Fatty Acids From Dairy Products on Cardiovascular Risk Factors

The majority of trans fatty acids consumed by the general population is derived from products that have been formulated using significant amount of hydrogenated vegetable oil (the so-called industrial trans fat). Fat from ruminants also contains small amounts of trans fatty acid, which contribute, although to a smaller extent, to the total dietary intake of trans fatty acids in the general population. The negative impact of consuming industrial trans fat on health, particularly on cardiovascular disease, is being increasingly recognized. Based on data available to date, it is currently not possible to conclude if effects of ruminants and industrial trans fatty acid on cardiovascular risk are different. There is therefore an urgent need for a study that compares the impact of naturally occurring trans fatty acids such as those from dairy products and of trans fatty acids form industrial sources on cardiovascular risk factors as well as their mechanisms of action. The general objective of the study is to investigate the impact of naturally occurring trans fatty acids from dairy products (mainly vaccenic acid) on plasma cholesterol levels and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.