How do the physiological effects of trans fat compare to saturated fats?
Extensive research on trans fats (see ‘What are trans fats?’) has occurred in the past decade. Numerous studies have suggested that trans fat consumption elevates LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) 1,2,3,4,5 and decreases the ratio of HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol) to LDL cholesterol resulting in a less desirablecholesterol profile.6 In 1999, a meta-analysis of comparative effects of trans fats versus saturated fats on cholesterol was performed. This study found that as the fat intake increased the LDL: HDL cholesterol ratio (a low value is desired) also increased in a dose-dependent manner, and that trans fat consumption increased this ratio by more thatn saturated fat consumption.
