What are trans fats?

• A. Chemically partially hydrogenated oils can raise LDLs (bad) and lower HDL
• B. Naturally occurring in foods
• C. A type of carbohydrate
• D. A mineral supplement

Answer: (A)

Trans fats are fatty acids with trans double bonds. Most dietary trans fats come from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, where hydrogen is added to unsaturated fats to make them more solid at room temperature. This processing creates trans configurations that behave more like saturated fats in the body, raising LDL cholesterol and lowering HDL cholesterol, which worsens the lipid profile and increases the risk of atherosclerosis. While small amounts can occur naturally in dairy and meat from ruminant animals, the health concern and most common exposure come from industrial trans fats produced by partial hydrogenation. Trans fats are fats, not carbohydrates or minerals.