2. Professor Alan Jackson, Professor Alan Jackson, Chair of Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition SACN position statement “Update on trans fatty acids and health”

3. What is a trans fat? Trans conformation Cis conformation

4. Terms of reference ● Consider the evidence regarding health effects of trans fatty acids on coronary heart disease since the EFSA (2004) and the WHO/FAO Expert Consultation (2003) reports ●Consider evidence relating to other health effects of trans fatty acids, particularly cancer, obesity and diabetes ●Determine whether there is sufficient data available on which to revise current UK recommendations that the average trans fatty acids intake of the population should not exceed 2% of food energy. In particular, whether any revised recommendations should state that intakes be reduced to 1% or less of food energy ●Determine, on the basis of present evidence, whether it is possible to distinguish the health effects of trans FA from vegetable oil versus animal origin

5. Summary of SACN conclusions & recommendations There is consistent evidence to support a moderate effect of trans fatty acids on increasing the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The evidence relating trans fatty acid intakes to risk of diseases other than CHD is limited, and no reliable risk assessments can be made. Future reports on these associations should be monitored. Trans fatty acids from vegetable oil and animal sources cannot be differentiated in terms of health effects.

6. Summary of SACN conclusions & recommendations SACN endorses the current recommendation, set by COMA (1994), that the average trans fatty acid intake should not exceed 2% of food energy, as there is currently no firm scientific basis for its revision. The impact of reformulations of fats within the diet should be monitored to ensure there are no unintended adverse consequences for dietary lipid profiles and related CHD risk factors.

7. UK intakes of trans fatty acids (% food energy)

8. UK intakes of trans fatty acids Mean trans fat intake has fallen from 2.2% food energy in 1987/87 to 1.2% in 2000/01 and to 1.0% in 2007 There are no significant differences in trans fat intake according to UK region or socio-economic status