What are interesterified fats and what are their health effects?
Interesterified fats are fatty acids that have been chemically or enzymatically rearranged to alter their texture and/or nutritional profile. In 2007, a study was published with the conclusion that interesterified fats and trans fats have similar health effects in that they negatively alter the metabolism of lipoproteins and glucose. That study is largely responsible for the recent negative publicity regarding interesterified fats. Given the small study sample, the American Heart Association maintains that the safety profile of interesterified oils and shortenings is not as well understood as that of natural fats and oils. Therefore, additional studies are needed.
