Which statement about trans fats is true?

• A. They are always artificially hydrogenated and never occur naturally.
• B. Some trans fats can be naturally occurring, such as CLA in milk and butter.
• C. They have no health effects.
• D. They are a type of carbohydrate.

Answer: (B)

Trans fats come from two sources: industrial hydrogenation of oils to make solid fats, and natural processes in ruminant animals that produce trans isomers. In dairy and meat, a well-known natural trans fat is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), found in milk and butter. This shows that trans fats can be naturally occurring, which is why that statement is accurate.

It's also useful to remember that the health impact of trans fats depends on the source. Artificial trans fats are consistently linked to worse lipid profiles and higher cardiovascular risk, while natural trans fats like CLA can have more complex and less clear effects. And trans fats are fats, not carbohydrates, so the idea that they’re a carbohydrate is incorrect.