Effects of Various Foods Intakes on Plasma Levels of Trans Fatty Acids in Japanese Old Men

Background: Trans fatty acids are said to be formed by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Some amounts are produced in digestive organs of ruminants and present in dairy products or meat. In Japan, use of trans fatty acids in the foods is prohibited, thus trans fatty acids must come from foods or microbes in the digestive organs. Methods: Plasma levels of fatty acids including trans forms of healthy old men are measured by gas chromatography and correlations between various foods intakes and plasma levels of trans fatty acids such as palmitoelaidic, elaidic and linoelaidic acids are examined. Results: No correlations between various foods intakes and trans fatty acids were found except between intake of preference drinks such as tea or coffee and plasma levels of palmitoelaidic and linoelaidic acids. Conclusion: Since palmitoelaidic acid is cardioprotective, increase in plasma levels of palmitoelaidic acid may indicate that intakes of tea and coffee may be beneficial for heath by increasing palmitoelaidic acids.