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Blood Levels of Trans Fats Are Declining in Americans
The New York TimesBy Anahad O'Connor
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Background
• Previous research:– Trans fats increase risk of heart disease– Increase LDL & lower HDL cholesterols
• Public outcry prompted government action:– Labeling changes– Local bans: New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles
• Consumption of partially hydrogenated oils decreased
Research published in JAMA
• CDC researchers tested 521 middle-aged adults in 2000 and 2009– Longitudinal study
• Trans fat levels fell by 58% in that period• Can assume that consumption also fell– Changing preferences– Government interventions
• Blood tests show other improvements
Harvard Nurses’ Health Study
• Started in 1976• Longitudinal study of 238,000 nurses• Has led to important discoveries:– Link between trans fats and heart disease– Mediterranean diets reduce heart disease risk– Red meat increases risk of breast and colon cancer
• Followed by GUTS study:– Children who eat dinner with family are less obese.– Breastfeeding as an infant decreases risk of obesity.