High levels of industrially produced trans fatty acids in popular fast food - but not in Denmark--secondary publication
Stender, S.; Dyerberg, Jørn.; Bysted, A.; Leth, T.; Astrup, A.V.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 168(17): 1654-1657
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 16674878 Document Number: 604613
An intake of trans-fatty acids of 5 grams per day is associated with an increase of 25% in the risk of ischemic heart disease. In 2004 Denmark, as the first country in the world, introduced a limitation on the content of industrially produced trans-fatty acids in foods. The amount in a "high-trans menu" consisting of popular foods was, from 2001 to 2005, reduced in Denmark from 30 g to <1 g. The amount in the same menu bought in countries within and outside the European Union is 20-40 g. During a period of just a few years, Denmark has thus eliminated a risk factor for ischemic heart disease without noticeable side effects for consumers. This risk factor is, however, still present in many other countries.