Huiles végétales et margarines : évolution de la qualité : Les solutions technologiques à la réduction des acides gras trans

Industrial trans fatty acids (TFA) originate from partial hydrogenation and deodorisation (last step of oils & fats refining).Concerning refining, technological improvements and optimized conditions applied during the deodorisation step, lead to reduced amounts of trans isomers in vegetable oils (less than 1% or 2%), a trend encouraged since 2003 by FEDIOL.The production of margarines, spreads and shortenings with adapted properties (namely, in terms of solid fat crystals), requires the modification of “natural” oils & fats: fractionation, interesterification and hydrogenation (full or partial), among which partial hydrogenation is the only trans-producing process. Appropriate combinations of the available trans-free modification techniques together with a proper choice of the feedstock, allow to produce trans-free or low-trans fats for these applications. Thanks to these different options, the vast majority of retail margarines/fat spreads are currently below 1% TFA. Industrial margarines, according to the IMACE good manufacturing practice code, go on reducing their TFA content (target<5%). Nevertheless, some improvements should be made for certain products (puff pastry, viennoiserie…) still contributing to TFA intakes.     

Fatty acids in confectionery products

The content of fat and fatty acids in 144 different confectionery products purchased on the market in Warsaw region during 1997-1999 have been investigated. In examined confectionery products considerable variability of both fat and fatty acids content have been found. The content of fat varied from 6.6% (coconut cookies) up to 40% (chocolate wafers). Saturated fatty acids were present in both cis and trans form. Especially trans fatty acids reach (above 50%) were fats extracted from nut wafers, coconuts wafers.     

Reassessment of trans fatty acid availability in the US diet

This report updates our 1984 estimate of the amount of trans fatty acids available for consumption in the US diet, namely 7.6 g.person-1.d-1, for 1989. Compared with 1984 data, we found essentially no change in 1989 for the per capita availability of trans fatty acids from total food service fats and oils. The 1989 value we obtained for industrial fats and oils is somewhat higher than the value we reported for 1984, in part because more complete data were available for 1989. In contrast, however, since 1984 the per capita availability of trans fatty acids from household salad and cooking oils, household shortenings, and all margarines and spreads (retail, food service, and industrial) has decreased. Overall, our reassessed (1989) value for total trans fatty acid availability is 8.1 g.person-1.d-1, which is similar to our original estimate. This total may increase slightly (approximately 0.3 g.person-1.d-1) as a result of the recent switch by many establishments from the use of tallow to partially hydrogenated vegetable oils for frying.     

Variability in the trans fatty acid content of foods within a food category: implications for estimation of dietary trans fatty acid intakes.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, the published information on trans fatty acid composition of foods is incomplete and of questionable accuracy. Detailed fatty acid analysis of over 200 foods was undertaken for the purpose of determining the variability in trans fatty acid content among foods within a product category, and the significance of this variability to the estimation of trans fatty acids intakes from analysis of dietary intake data. METHODS: The analysis of food fatty acids used gas-liquid chromatography with 100 m capillary columns and standardized methodologies for food sampling, fat extraction, separation and quantification of trans fatty acid isomers. For the purposes of this report, trans refers to all non-naturally occurring isomers including trans, cis-trans, geometric and positional isomers. RESULTS: The results show that the amount of trans fatty acids varies considerably among foods within a category, reflecting differences in the fats and oils used in the manufacturing or preparation process. For example, the range of trans fatty acids in 17 brands of crackers was 23 to 51% total fatty acids, representing differences of from 1 to 13 g trans fatty acids per 100 g cracker. The large errors that may arise in estimates of the trans fatty acid intake of an individual are illustrated by analyses of the potential trans fatty acid intake in a sample diet, for each food as calculated using the minimum and maximum values for trans fatty acids within a given category. The results of these analyses show estimates of trans fatty acid intake from a low of 1.4 to 25.4 g a day for the same diet. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the wide variability in trans fatty acid content of different foods may result in large errors in the estimation of trans fatty acid intake of individuals and, potentially, groups.     

Exchanging partially hydrogenated fat for palmitic acid in the diet increases LDL-cholesterol and endogenous cholesterol synthesis in normocholesterolemic women

Partial hydrogenation of oil results in fats containing unusual isomeric fatty acids characterized by cis and trans configurations. Hydrogenated fats containing trans fatty acids increase plasma total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol while depressing HDL-cholesterol levels. Identifying the content of trans fatty acids by food labeling is overshadowed by a reluctance of health authorities to label saturates and trans fatty acids separately. Thus, it is pertinent to compare the effects of trans to saturated fatty acids using stable isotope methodology to establish if the mechanism of increase in TC and LDL-cholesterol is due to the increase in the rate of endogenous synthesis of cholesterol. Ten healthy normocholesterolemic female subjects consumed each of two diets containing approximately 30% of energy as fat for a fourweek period. One diet was high in palmitic acid (10.6% of energy) from palm olein and the other diet exchanged 5.6% of energy as partially hydrogenated fat for palmitic acid. This fat blend resulted in monounsaturated fatty acids decreasing by 4.9 % and polyunsaturated fats increasing by 2.7%. The hydrogenated fat diet treatment provided 3.1% of energy as elaidic acid. For each dietary treatment, the fractional synthesis rates for cholesterol were measured using deuterium-labeling procedures and blood samples were obtained for blood lipid and lipoprotein measurements. Subjects exhibited a higher total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level when consuming the diet containing trans fatty acids while also depressing the HDL-cholesterol level. Consuming the partially hydrogenated fat diet treatment increased the fractional synthesis rate of free cholesterol. Consumption of hydrogenated fats containing trans fatty acids in comparison to a mixtur e of palmitic and oleic acids increase plasma cholesterol levels apparently by increasing endogenous synthesis of cholesterol.     

Assessment of fatty acids content in margarines available on Polish market in the years 1996-2000

Fatty acids content in margarines from Polish market in the years 1996-2000 was investigated. 56 samples of low fat, 40 normal fat and 78 stick were examined derived from different producers. Considerable differences in amount of particular groups of fatty acids were observed during investigation period i.e. saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and trans isomers in the same type of margarines. The low fat soft type of margarines showed the most desirable from nutritional point of view fatty acids content--such as low level of saturated acids as well as absence of trans isomers.     

Isomeric fatty acids and tumorigenesis: a commentary on recent work

This article critically reviews the existing, although limited, literature concerning trans fatty acids and tumorigenesis. Neither epidemiological nor experimental studies published to date have demonstrated any valid association between trans fatty acid ingestion and tumorigenesis. A recent study showed that under controlled conditions, a fat with a high content of trans fatty acids did not promote the development of mammary tumors induced in rats by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene to any greater extent than did a comparable fat with a high content of cis fatty acids. In addition, in this study a high trans fat was less tumor promoting than was a blend of fats that simulated the dietary fat composition of the United States and had a lower level of trans fatty acids. Another study using comparable cis and trans fats demonstrated that the high trans fat did not affect the growth and metastasis of implanted mammary tumors in mice relative to the high cis fat. Also, two recent studies reported no significant difference in the development of induced colon tumors in rats fed diets high in cis or trans fatty acids. The results of these and other studies are consistent with the conclusion that trans fatty acids are not uniquely related to tumor development.     

Isomeric fatty acids and tumorigenesis: A commentary on recent work

This article critically reviews the existing, although limited, literature concerning trans fatty acids and tumorigenesis. Neither epidemiological nor experimental studies published to date have demonstrated any valid association between trans fatty acid ingestion and tumorigenesis. A recent study showed that under controlled conditions, a fat with a high content of ‘trans fatty acids did not promote the development of mammary tumors induced in rats by 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene to any greater extent than did a comparable fat with a high content of as fatty acids. In addition, in this study a high trans fat was less tumor promoting than was a blend of fats that simulated the dietary fat composition of the United States and had a lower level of trans fatty acids. Another study using comparable cis and trans fats demonstrated that the high trans fat did not affect the growth and metastasis of implanted mammary tumors in mice relative to the high cis fat. Also, two recent studies reported no significant difference in the development of induced colon tumors in ratsfed diets high in cis or trans fatty acids. The results of these and other studies are consistent with the conclusion that trans fatty acids are not uniquely related to tumor development.     

Role of trans fatty acids in health and challenges to their reduction in Indian foods

Evidence indicates that dietary trans fatty acids (TFA) obtained from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO) increase the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Studies have implicated TFA in increasing the risk and incidence of diabetes. Furthermore, TFA may compromise fetal and early infant growth and development. In rats, partial substitution of either linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) with saturated fatty acids (SFA, 6 en %) or SFA with TFA (3 en % from vanaspati) decreased peripheral insulin sensitivity, but these effects were greater in TFA group. Since a large proportion of Indian population is insulin resistant, the TFA content in Indian edible fats/oils and foods should be reduced. Vanaspati (PHVO) provides up to 40% TFA, is used in Indian cooking and in the preparation of commercially fried, processed, bakery, ready-to-eat and street foods. TFA in biscuits and sweets range 30-40 and 6-26% of total fatty acids respectively. There is no regulation on TFA content in vanaspati, bakery fats and shortenings. Reduction in Indian edible fats/ oils and foods can be achieved by: a) specifying limits of TFA in vanaspati, bakery fats and shortenings by upgrading technology; b) advocating the substitution of natural plant oils containing lower percent of polyunsaturated fatty acids for PHVO. Indian edible oil industry needs to develop and adopt alternative technologies to produce zero TFA. Consumer education about negative health effects of TFA and providing food based guidelines to reduce TFA consumption in the entire population need to be actively pursued.     

Acute postprandial effect of hydrogenated fish oil, palm oil and lard on plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerol and non-esterified fatty acid metabolism in normocholesterolaemic males

The majority of research has focused on the association between trans unsaturated fatty acids (TUFA) from hydrogenated vegetable oils and heart disease even though TUFA are also produced from hydrogenated fish oil. We compared the acute effect of three solid fats on postprandial cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG) and NEFA concentrations in normocholesterolaemic males. Eight healthy male volunteers consumed each of the three 40 g fat meals (partially hydrogenated fish oil (PHFO), palm oil and lard) in random order and blood samples were drawn at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h thereafter for lipid analysis. The postprandial response in plasma TAG, TAG-rich lipoprotein-TAG (TRL-TAG), total cholesterol and plasma NEFA, measured as the area under the postprandial curve, was not significantly different between the three meals (P>0.05), which varied in MUFA, PUFA and TUFA content. There was no marked elevation of longer-chain fatty acids (C20-22, cis or trans isomers) into the TRL-TAG fraction following the PHFO meal even though they provided 40 % of the total fatty acids in the PHFO meal. The postprandial TRL-TAG response to PHFO was expected to be higher, as it is higher in TUFA, lower in PUFA and similar in saturated fatty acid composition compared with the lard and palm oil test meals. The absence of a higher postprandial response following ingestion of PHFO could be as a result of reduced absorption and increased oxidation of long-chain fatty acids (both cis and trans isomers).     

Acides gras trans : nature, origine et impact sur la santé

Trans fatty acids include mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids having methylene interrupted double bonds. Trans monounsaturated fatty acids are formed during hydrogenation of oils to produce margarine and shortening but are also present in ruminant meat and milk as a result of biohydrogenation in the rumen. The linoleic and a-linolenic acid trans isomers may also be present in non-hydrogenated fats as the result of exposure of these polyunsaturated fatty acids to heat treatment, such as steam deodorization, or deep fat frying in food.Trans monounsaturated isomers are the major trans isomers consumed by humans. Data on trans fatty acids were obtained from nutritional interventions but also from epidemiological studies. For example, a meta analysis of 60 controlled trials published between 1970 to 1998 which included over 1,600 volunteers showed that replacing carbohydrates isoenergetically (1% of total energy) by 18: 1 trans would increase LDL cholesterol while the effect on HDL would be similar. The calculated impact on the ratio of total cholesterol/HDL would be of +0.022nmoles/L (p=0.015). A recent meta analysis of the four larger epidemiological studies showed that increasing the total energy intake with 2% trans fatty acids would result in a 23% increase in cardiovascular disease risk.However, it is essential now to answer the following question: Are trans fatty acids from natural origin have the same effects as those demonstrated for the “industrial ones”. Some studies which are being carried out should give some new information on this important still pending question despite the number of studies so far carried out.     

Some properties of margarines and shortenings marketed in Turkey

Fifteen margarines and 10 shortenings marketed in Turkey were analyzed for their fatty acid composition including trans fatty acids (TFA), solid fat content (SFC), and slip melting point (SMP). Margarines and shortenings are major sources TFA in the diet. All margarines and shortenings were high in palmitic acid. Seven margarine samples had low TFA contents (range 0.4–8.5%). TFA content of margarines and shortenings were within the range of 0.4–39.4% and 2.0–16.5%, respectively. TFA content of the samples affect both SFC and SMP. Compared to the American margarines and shortenings, Turkish samples have higher SFC (except sample M10).     

Home use of margarine is an important determinant of plasma trans fatty acid status: a biomarker study

The contribution of the home use of margarines, made with partially hydrogenated vegetables oils, to total trans fatty acid intake is difficult to determine using dietary assessment because food composition databases are incomplete for trans fatty acids; moreover, hidden fats in manufactured foods may be the predominant sources of trans fatty acids. The objective of our study was to determine, using plasma phospholipid trans fatty acid composition as a surrogate measure of exposure, whether the home use of margarine or butter is an important determinant of trans fatty acid status. We conducted a community-based (Dunedin, New Zealand), cross-sectional survey of people who consumed either margarine (n 65) or butter (n 64) but not both for home use. The levels of the 18:1 trans isomers commonly found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils were all significantly higher in the plasma phospholipids of margarine compared with butter consumers, with the exception of 18:1n-7t, which did not differ. Among margarine consumers, the percentage of total fat from margarine was significantly correlated with levels of phospholipid 18:1n-6t, 18:1n-8t and 18:1n-12/9t isomers (r 0.57-0.63, P<0.001) but only weakly with 18:1n-7t (r 0.30, P=0.016). The intake of fat from fast foods, bakery products or meat and meat products was not associated with plasma phospholipid trans isomeric composition. The home use of margarine, made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, is an important determinant of trans fatty acid exposure in New Zealand.     

Concentration of 18:1 and 16:1 transunsaturated fatty acids in the adipose body tissue of decedents dying of ischaemic heart disease compared with controls: analysis by gas liquid chromatography.

Proportions of "lower" 16:1 and 18:1 trans acids (TL) and "higher" C20 and C22 trans acids (TH) in samples of depot fat taken at postmortem examination from 136 people who had died of ischaemic heart disease (cases) and from those who had died of unrelated causes (controls) have been determined. Whereas mean percentages of TH are virtually identical for cases and controls, the mean value of TL was significantly higher for the case specimens. Although these lower trans acids are present in small amounts in ruminant-animal fat, they are more characteristic of commercially hydrogenated fats. We conclude, therefore, that the cases consumed on average a higher proportion of those hydrogenated fats rich in 16:1 trans and 18:1 trans acids and a lower proportion of ruminant fat than did the controls.     

Conjugated linoleic acids alter milk fatty acid composition and inhibit milk fat secretion in dairy cows.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) have positive health effects in experimental models. Our objective was to determine the effect of CLA supplementation on milk of dairy cows. A commercial source of CLA was infused abomasally to by-pass rumen fermentation. The supplement contained 61.2% CLA; the major CLA isomers were cis/trans 8,10, cis/trans 9,11, cis/trans 10,12 and cis/trans 11,13. Four Holstein cows were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Treatments were 5-d infusions of 0, 50, 100 and 150 g/d of CLA supplement. Infusion increased milk fat content of CLA from 6.8 mg/g fat (zero dose) to 63.6 mg/g fat (highest dose). All of the major CLA isomers in the supplement were transferred to milk fat in a dose-dependent manner. Apparent efficiency of transfer to milk fat was 22.5, 22.5, 10.2 and 26.3% for cis/trans 8,10, cis/trans 9,11, cis/trans 10,12 and cis/trans 11,13, respectively. CLA infusion had no effect on milk protein and little effect on milk yield (21.5, 20.4, 20.9 and 18.3 kg/d for 0, 50, 100 and 150 g/d CLA supplement, respectively). However, CLA infusion dramatically reduced milk fat. On average, the content and yield of milk fat were reduced by 52 and 55%, respectively. The role of specific CLA isomers and mechanism(s) for the reduction in milk fat have not been established, although the pattern of milk fatty acids demonstrated effects were most pronounced on de novo fatty acid synthesis and the desaturation process. Overall, dietary supplemention of CLA increased milk fat content of CLA, altered milk fatty acid composition and markedly reduced the content and yield of milk fat.     

Inter-esterified palm products as alternatives to hydrogenation

Inter-esterification is one of the processes used to modify the physico-chemical characteristics of oils and fats. Inter-esterification is an acyl-rearrangement reaction on the glycerol molecule. On the other hand, hydrogenation involves addition of hydrogen to the double bonds of unsaturated fatty acids. Due to health implications of trans fatty acids, which are formed during hydrogenation, the industry needs to find alternatives to hydrogenated fats. This paper discusses some applications of inter-esterified fats, with particular reference to inter-esterified palm products, as alternatives to hydrogenation. Some physico-chemical properties of inter-esterified fats used in shortenings are discussed. With inter-esterification, more palm stearin can be incorporated in vanaspati. For confectionary fats and infant formulations, enzymatic inter-esterification has been employed.     

Fat and fatty acid content in selected powdered ready to eat dishes

Fat content as well as fatty acids composition in 16 powdered ready to eat dishes from the market in Warsaw area in the year of 2001 has been analysed. We have found, that fat content in these products was from 5.2 to 24.1%. Saturated fatty acids were dominant in the fat derived of these products and also trans isomers unsaturated fatty acids, know from recent finding as having negative nutritional effect.     

Palm fruit chemistry and nutrition

The palm fruit (Elaies guineensis) yields palm oil, a palmitic-oleic rich semi solid fat and the fat-soluble minor components, vitamin E (tocopherols, tocotrienols), carotenoids and phytosterols. A recent innovation has led to the recovery and concentration of water-soluble antioxidants from palm oil milling waste, characterized by its high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. These natural ingredients pose both challenges and opportunities for the food and nutraceutical industries. Palm oil's rich content of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids has actually been turned into an asset in view of current dietary recommendations aimed at zero trans content in solid fats such as margarine, shortenings and frying fats. Using palm oil in combination with other oils and fats facilitates the development of a new generation of fat products that can be tailored to meet most current dietary recommendations. The wide range of natural palm oil fractions, differing in their physico-chemical characteristics, the most notable of which is the carotenoid-rich red palm oil further assists this. Palm vitamin E (30% tocopherols, 70% tocotrienols) has been extensively researched for its nutritional and health properties, including antioxidant activities, cholesterol lowering, anti-cancer effects and protection against atherosclerosis. These are attributed largely to its tocotrienol content. A relatively new output from the oil palm fruit is the water-soluble phenolic-flavonoid-rich antioxidant complex. This has potent antioxidant properties coupled with beneficial effects against skin, breast and other cancers. Enabled by its water solubility, this is currently being tested for use as nutraceuticals and in cosmetics with potential benefits against skin aging. A further challenge would be to package all these palm ingredients into a single functional food for better nutrition and health.     

Effect of dietary fatty acids on the postprandial fatty acid composition of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins in healthy male subjects

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of trans-18:1 isomers compared to other fatty acids, especially saturates, on the postprandial fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols (TAG) in chylomicrons and VLDL. DESIGN: A randomised crossover experiment where five interesterified test fats with equal amounts of palmitic acid (P fat), stearic acid (S fat), trans-18:1 isomers (T fat), oleic acid (O fat), or linoleic acid (L fat) were tested. SUBJECTS: A total of 16 healthy, normolipidaemic males (age 23+/-2 y) were recruited. INTERVENTIONS: The participants ingested fat-rich test meals (1 g fat per kg body weight) and the fatty acid profiles of chylomicron and VLDL TAG were followed for 8 h. RESULTS: The postprandial fatty acid composition of chylomicron TAG resembled that of the ingested fats. The fatty acids in chylomicron TAG were randomly distributed among the three positions in accordance with the distributions in test fats. Calculations of postprandial TAG concentrations from fatty acid data revealed increasing amounts up to 4 h but lower response curves (IAUC) for the two saturated fats in accordance with previous published data. The T fat gave results comparable to the O and L fats. The test fatty acids were much less reflected in VLDL TAG and there was no dietary influence on the response curves. CONCLUSIONS: The fatty acid composition in the test fats as well as the positional distributions of these were maintained in the chylomicrons. No specific clearing of chylomicron TAG was observed in relation to time.     

Trans fatty acids– Metabolic and nutritional significance

'Trans' fatty acids are unsaturated acids with special structural features that occur naturally in dietary fats from animal and plant sources and in fats processed by catalytic hydrogenation. They are readily metabolized by the human body. Thus, although when consumed in the diet they are incorporated into body fat (including depot and milk fats), they are subject to rapid 'turnover'. In physical properties, trans monounsaturatedfatty acids are intermediate between cis-monounsaturated and saturated acids, and they tend to be treated either as saturated or cis-monounsaturated acids in metabolic pathways. The author argues in this article that any adverse effects on health or metabolism that may have been observed can be ascribed to an imbalance between the intake of trans and essential fatty acids. Such imbalances, could also occur with non-essential fatty acids other than trans fats. Normally, the amounts eaten in average diets would not pose serious problems and only when products have excessively high trans contents and make a significant contribution to the diet need trans acids be highlighted on labels.