GOVPH
MENU

Trans fats 101: Are they really that BAD?

Details
Category: Region 9

RO9 TransFat101Trans fatty acids or trans fats are formed when manufacturers turn liquid oils into solid fats via a process called hydrogenation. It is a process by which vegetable oils are converted to solid fats simply by adding hydrogen atoms. With hydrogenation, the shelf life and flavor stability of foods increases. Although some trans fatty acids are found naturally in small quantities in some foods such as beef, pork, butter, and milk, most trans fatty acids still come from hydrogenated foods.

Are they really that bad?

According to World Health Organization, approximately 540,000 deaths each year can be attributed to the intake of industrially produced trans fatty acids. This is likely due to the effect on lipid levels wherein trans fat increases the levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) which is considered “bad” cholesterol while lowering the levels high density lipoprotein (HDL) which is known to be “good” cholesterol. High trans fat intake increases the risk of death from any cause by 34%, coronary heart disease deaths by 28%, and coronary heart disease by 21%. Examples of industrially produced trans fat can be found in margarine, butter, fried foods, doughnuts, and pre-mixed products such as pancake mix.

In order to eliminate trans fat, mandatory national limits on industrially produced trans fat are the most effective way to reduce trans fat in the food supply. Countries such as Denmark and Australia monitor the trans fat content in foods. Denmark has been monitoring the trans fat contents in their food for the past 30 years and virtual elimination of industrially produced trans fat has been achieved.

In the Philippines last 09 December 2020, the House health committee has approved a bill regulating food products with high trans fatty acid in a bid to promote healthy living and preventive health care among Filipinos. The Trans Fat Free Philippine House Bills (HB) consists of HB 7200 by Rep. Alfred Delos Santos, HB 7202 by Rep. Ronnie Ong, HB 7934 by Rep. Angelina “Helen” Tan, and HB 8093 by Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte.

This is a good start in the initiative to eliminate trans fat in the country. Hopefully this bill will be approved in the Congress sooner. This public health intervention is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve the nutritional quality of diets in our country. A way to go for a healthier tomorrow among Filipinos.

 

AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot

 

References: