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Trans Fatty Acid, lipids, bad cholesterol , cholesterol, cardiovascular risk, stabiliser, preservative, label, dairy products, milk, meat, ruminant fat, processed foods, solid, hydrogenated<BR>In 2005, in a report entitled "Health risks and benefits of trans fatty acids found in food - Recommendations", the Agency assessed the French population's intake of trans fatty acids. This study, which was based on the food consumption data of the INCA 1 study and food composition data from products, found that consumption of trans fatty acids in France was higher than had previously been estimated and that a percentage of the population had intakes exceeding the threshold corresponding to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (2% of Total Energy Intake - TEI). The population's average intake of trans fatty acids corresponded to 1.3% of TEI. Five percent of the adult population had an intake equal to or greater than 2% of TEI. The age group that was shown to consume the most trans fatty acids was that of 12-14-year-old boys. They consumed nearly 8 g trans fatty acids per day and exceeded the limit of 2% of TEI. <BR><BR>On the basis of these findings, the Agency issued a series of recommendations for public authorities, the general public and professionals in order to reduce the population's intake of trans fatty acids. <BR><BR>2008: intakes on the decline but progress still to be made<BR><BR>In 2008, the Agency updated this work thanks to food consumption data that were collected during the INCA 2 study (2006/2007) and the development of a new food composition table.<BR><BR>Although different simulation methodologies were used in 2005 and 2008, the Agency considers that the intake levels estimated in 2008 were lower than those observed in 2005.<BR>Adults mainly consume trans fatty acids of natural origin. Children consume both types of trans fatty acids equally. Trans fatty acid intakes in gross value are higher on average in adults than in children. However, average intakes compared to TEI are similar in adults and in children and are close to 1%. Even the heaviest consumers consume less than the limit (2% of TEI) that was set in 2005, and this is true for both children and adults, regardless of age and gender. <BR>In order to refine this assessment, the Agency emphasises the need to continue improving the food composition table as far as trans fatty acids are concerned. This will mean considering the contribution of various food types more thoroughly, and particularly low-cost, discount and group catering foods, about which very little is presently known, in order to increase our knowledge of the variability of trans fatty acid levels in foods and therefore of intake levels. <BR><BR>Although the consumption levels observed in 2008 showed a decrease in intake, the Agency is not revising the recommendations it issued in 2005 aiming to limit the population's intake of trans fatty acids. <BR>Moreover, the Agency emphasises that artificial trans fatty acids are added to food merely for technical-functional purposes. Therefore, the Agency encourages professionals' efforts to reduce the use of these trans fatty acids, both in human food and in animal feed, in order to reduce the risk of exposure. Alternatives to using trans fatty acids for their technical-functional properties need to be considered. <BR><BR> <BR><BR>November 2009<BR><BR><BR>Close-up pages<BR>> Presentation of trans fatty acids <BR>> The population's intake of trans fatty acids in 2005 and in 2008<BR>> Recommendations for professionals on trans fatty acids<BR><BR>The population's intake of trans fatty acids <BR>In 2005 and in 2008<BR>Close-up pages<BR>> Presentation of trans fatty acids <BR>> The population's intake of trans fatty acids in 2005 and in 2008<BR>> Recommendations for professionals on trans fatty acids<BR><BR>Find out more...<BR>>Health risks and benefits of transfatty acids in food - Recommendations (report in French and synthesis in English - April 2005 - pdf) <BR><BR>Human food<BR>Home,Anses,News,Press room,Agenda,Our topics,Food,Animal health and nutrition,Environmental health,Occupational health,Plants,Opinions and publications,Last opinions and reports,Food opinions and reports,Animal health and nutrition opinions and reports,Environmental and occupational health opinions and reports,Plants opinions,Opinions and reports in English,Bulletins and periodicals,Other publications,Subscribe to Anses newsletter,Research and reference,Research program,Laboratories and reference activities, + ,Job opportunities,Public procurement contracts,Our websites,Partners,Extranet / ExpertNet,Kid's area,Legal notice,Contact, ,<A HREF='PNL6I0.htm'>More infos on Trans Fatty Acid</A>
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In 2005, in a report entitled "Health risks and benefits of trans fatty acids found in food - Recommendations", the Agency assessed the French population's intake of trans fatty acids. This study, which was based on the food consumption data of the INCA 1 study and food composition data from products, found that consumption of trans fatty acids in France was higher than had previously been estimated and that a percentage of the population had intakes exceeding the threshold corresponding to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (2% of Total Energy Intake - TEI). The population's average intake of trans fatty acids corresponded to 1.3% of TEI. Five percent of the adult population had an intake equal to or greater than 2% of TEI.The age group that was shown to consume the most trans fatty acids was that of 12-14-year-old boys. They consumed nearly 8 g trans fatty acids per day and exceeded the limit of 2% of TEI.
On the basis of these findings, the Agency issued a series of recommendations for public authorities, the general public and professionals in order to reduce the population's intake of trans fatty acids.
2008: intakes on the decline but progress still to be made
In 2008, the Agency updated this work thanks to food consumption data that were collected during the INCA 2 study (2006/2007) and the development of a new food composition table.
Although different simulation methodologies were used in 2005 and 2008, the Agency considers that the intake levels estimated in 2008 were lower than those observed in 2005. Adults mainly consume trans fatty acids of natural origin. Children consume both types of trans fatty acids equally. Trans fatty acid intakes in gross value are higher on average in adults than in children. However, average intakes compared to TEI are similar in adults and in children and are close to 1%. Even the heaviest consumers consume less than the limit (2% of TEI) that was set in 2005, and this is true for both children and adults, regardless of age and gender. In order to refine this assessment, the Agency emphasises the need to continue improving the food composition table as far as trans fatty acids are concerned. This will mean considering the contribution of various food types more thoroughly, and particularly low-cost, discount and group catering foods, about which very little is presently known, in order to increase our knowledge of the variability of trans fatty acid levels in foods and therefore of intake levels.
Although the consumption levels observed in 2008 showed a decrease in intake, the Agency is not revising the recommendations it issued in 2005 aiming to limit the population's intake of trans fatty acids. Moreover, the Agency emphasises that artificial trans fatty acids are added to food merely for technical-functional purposes. Therefore, the Agency encourages professionals' efforts to reduce the use of these trans fatty acids, both in human food and in animal feed, in order to reduce the risk of exposure. Alternatives to using trans fatty acids for their technical-functional properties need to be considered.
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