Resumen

MANZUR J, Fernando; ALVEAR S, Ciro  y  ALAYON, Alicia. Consumption of trans fatty acids and cardiovascular risk. Rev. Colom. Cardiol. [online]. 2009, vol.16, n.3, pp.103-111. ISSN 0120-5633.

Trans fatty acids are scarcely found naturally in food; they are incorporated to it as a result of modifications mainly due to hydrogenation industrial processes to which oils are submitted in order to obtain solid fats. Even when its structure includes double bonds, the type of configuration allows a biological behavior similar to that of saturated fatty acids, with negative effects on multiple cellular functions. The evidence shows that they are harmful to health, especially in regard to risk of cardiovascular disease, which is why it is important to reduce its consumption. Given the evidence obtained from research on alterations of metabolism produced by trans fatty acids, it is possible to raise a logical precaution for the consumption of diets rich in these acids. Its deleterious effects would be even worse in those populations that consume low amounts of essential fatty acids. Hence the importance of prompt sanitary policies directed to the control of atherosclerosis in our country. They must be based necessarily on an in-depth knowledge of the characteristics or particular conditions to whiwhich our our population is subjected. Only thus, can initiate an effective intervention questioned about our eating habits.

Palabras clave : trans fatty acids; trans fat consumption; cardiovascular disease.

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