The scientific basis for TFA regulations-is it sufficient? Comments from the USA.
We presently have definitive evidence from multiple randomized trials that trans-fatty acids (TFA) have adverse effects on blood lipids, near definitive evidence that TFA increase inflammatory markers in blood, and strong evidence from prospective epidemiologic studies that high TFA intake is associated elevated risks of coronary heart disease. Food additives should be allowed to be used only if there is reasonable certainty of no harm. Thus, the present US Food and Drug Administration position of allowing TFA in the food supply is indefensible, and large numbers of Americans are dying prematurely because of its failure to act to responsibly.
Willett
W C
WC
Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. wwillett@hsph.harvard.edu
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D019649:Food Industry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*
D015415:Biomarkers; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids