Trans Fat

Trans fat (also known as trans fatty acids) is a specific type of fat formed when liquid oils are made into solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. However, a small amount of trans fat is found naturally, primarily in some animal-based foods.

What is Trans Fat?

Trans fats are unsaturated fats produced from vegetable oils. They are commonly found in commercially baked or fried foods.

Trans Fat Food Industry Response

Trans Fat Regulation

Trans Fat in Food

Trans Fat Nutritional Guidelines

Trans Fat History

Trans Fat Chemistry

Latest Trans Fat News and Research

Ultra-processed foods linked to rise in prediabetes risk

The study reveals that ultra-processed foods heighten prediabetes risk in young adults with obesity history, stressing the importance of healthy eating habits.

25 Nov 2025

GLP-1 drugs calm inflammation beyond diabetes and weight loss

This Journal of Clinical Investigation review describes how glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)–based medicines reduce systemic and tissue inflammation through both weight-dependent and weight-independent mechanisms. It details preclinical and clinical evidence linking GLP-1 receptor activation to cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neural, and joint anti-inflammatory effects while outlining uncertainties and future research needs.

4 Nov 2025

UN proposal on trans fats could harm nutrition in poor countries, experts warn

A draft UN declaration to eliminate trans-fatty acids from global diets has elicited a sharp reaction from experts who claim it violates the rights of the world's poorest to nutritional benefits of milk and meat.

23 Jul 2025

Ultra-processed foods threaten brain health in kids and teens, review warns

Children, adolescents, and unborn babies exposed to high levels of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) face increased risks of impaired brain development, cognitive deficits, and long-term mental health challenges. The review underscores how UPF-driven changes in reward pathways, nutrient deficits, inflammation, and the gut–brain axis can have lasting impacts across generations.

13 Jul 2025

Can AI solve tomorrow’s global food crisis?

Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize global food systems by enabling faster, more sustainable innovation, from plant-based alternatives to new product development. However, realizing this potential depends on open data, interdisciplinary collaboration, and realistic expectations about AI’s capabilities.

25 May 2025

WHO honors four countries for successful trans fat elimination efforts

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized four countries – the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Norway, the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Singapore – for their exemplary efforts in eliminating industrially produced trans fats from their food supplies.

20 May 2025

Two plant-based diets linked to similar survival benefits and low environmental impact

Two plant-based diets were associated with similar survival benefits and low environmental impact, according to research presented today at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2025, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

4 Apr 2025

Putting away phones during meals cuts junk food intake among teens

Adolescents distracted by phones or social media during meals consume significantly more ultra-processed foods and have lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Promoting mindful eating may help adolescents improve diet quality and overall health.

6 Mar 2025

Frequent takeaway food and low exercise levels linked to higher anxiety and depression

Researchers examine how food choices and different levels of physical activity may impact the risk of depression and anxiety among university students.

23 Feb 2025

New research links sphingolipids to heart disease and atherosclerosis

Excess cholesterol is known to form artery-clogging plaques that can lead to stroke, arterial disease, heart attack, and more, making it the focus of many heart health campaigns.

19 Nov 2024

Ultra-processed foods linked to liver disease and insulin resistance in obese children

Ultra-processed food consumption in obese adolescents is linked to insulin resistance and liver disease, stressing the need for improved dietary interventions.

22 Oct 2024

Kids' exposure to unhealthy food ads on TV drops, but remains high

Study shows a significant reduction in children's exposure to food and beverage commercials from 2013 to 2022, though most ads still promote unhealthy foods, especially on non-pediatric programming.

26 Aug 2024

Study: Kids still exposed to unhealthy food ads despite regulations

Children's exposure to food and drink ads during kids' TV shows has dropped substantially since food and beverage makers pledged to stop advertising unhealthy fare during children's TV shows.

23 Aug 2024

Greater plant fat intake associated with lower overall and cardiovascular disease mortality

Researchers determined the relationship between animal and dietary plant fat intake with mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other causes.

13 Aug 2024

The real cost of processed foods: How Western diets are harming global health

A recent study in Nature Medicine reviews the adverse effects of Western diets on human health, highlighting increased risks of chronic diseases and gut dysbiosis. Researchers call for global awareness and promotion of healthier dietary patterns.

6 Aug 2024

Plant-based meat alternatives show no significant heart health benefits in recent study

In an eight-week trial, researchers found that a plant-based meat analog diet did not significantly improve cardiometabolic health biomarkers compared to an omnivorous diet in a Singaporean cohort.

28 Jun 2024

Study reveals neurological effects of reused frying oils

A new study found higher levels of neurodegeneration in rats that consumed reused deep fried cooking oils and their offspring compared to rats on a normal diet. Deep frying, which involves completely submerging food in hot oil, is a common method of food preparation around the world.

25 Mar 2024