Trans Fats

What’s the skinny on
Trans-Fatty Acids?

Consumers will soon find trans-fatty acids (trans fat) listed below saturated fat in the Nutrition Facts on food labels. So what is trans fat, where do you find it, and is it good or bad for you?

What is Trans Fat?

Trans fat (also known as trans fatty acids) is formed when food manufacturers turn liquid oils into solids, such as shortening and hard margarine, through a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing fat.

Where do you find Trans Fat?

Trans fat can be found in many of the same foods as saturated fat, such as vegetable shortening, some margarines, crackers, candies, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods, salad dressings and other processed foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Is Trans Fat bad for you?

Fat is a major source of energy for the body. It aids in absorption of Vitamins A, D, E and K. In moderation, fat is important for growth, development and maintenance of
good health.
Trans fat behaves like saturated fat. It raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol while decreasing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good) cholesterol. This increase in LDL increases the risk of coronary heart disease.

Lower your intake of cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat

	Read Nutrition Facts Panel – when compared to foods of similar types choose foods lower in saturated fat and cholesterol
	Choose alternative fats – replace saturated fat and trans fat with mono and poly-unsaturated fats such as olive, canola, soybean, corn and sunflower oils. These fats do not raise LDL and have health benefits when eaten in moderation
	Try Vegetable oils – except coconut and palm kernel oils, soft margarines (liquid, tub or spray) as the amount of trans fat is lower
	Eat Fish – most fish are low in saturated fat and contain Omega 3 fatty acids, which offer protection against heart disease
	Limit foods high in cholesterol – such as liver and other organ meats, egg yolks, and full-fat dairy products including whole milk
	Choose foods low in saturated fat – such as fat free or 1% dairy products, lean meats, fish, skinless poultry, whole grain foods, and fruits and vegetables

________________________________

Federal Register Final Rule: Trans Fatty Acids in Nutrition Labeling, Nutrient Content Claims, and Health Claims (July 11, 2003)

FDA Acts to Provide Better Information to Consumers on Trans Fats

Guidance on How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Panel on Food Labels

To learn more about Trans Fat, go to:

www.cfsan.fda.gov/label.html

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is Prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Colorado Springs SD #11
Food & Nutrition Services
5260 Geiger Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
PH: 719/520-2924
FAX: 719/520-2935

Web Link Disclaimer