Trans fatty acids and cardiovascular disease risk.

Recent studies continue to confirm previous observations that trans fatty acids elevate low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and at relatively high intakes decrease high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Considerable interest is focused on the potential benefits of trans-free margarines. Both adipose and plasma trans fatty acid levels reflect dietary intake. Current estimates of trans fatty acid intake in developed countries range from 0.5 to 2.6% of energy, contributed to primarily by differences in food availability and preference, and partly by the methodological differences used to calculate the data.