Disability and costs of IHD attributable to the consumption of trans-fatty acids in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the disability and costs of the Brazilian Unified Health System for IHD attributable to trans-fatty acid (TFA) consumption in 2019. DESIGN: This ecological study used secondary data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 to estimate the years lived with disability from IHD attributable to TFA in Brazil in 2019. Data on direct costs (purchasing power parity: 1 Int$ = R$ 2·280) were obtained from the Hospital and Ambulatory Information Systems of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Moreover, the total costs in each state were divided by the resident population in 2019 and multiplied by 10 000 inhabitants. The relationship between the socio-demographic index, disease and economic burden was investigated. SETTING: Brazil and its twenty-seven states. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged ≥ 25 years of both sexes. RESULTS: IHD attributable to TFA consumption resulted in 11 165 years lived with disability (95 % uncertainty interval 932­18 462) in 2019 in Brazil. A total of Int$ 54 546 227 (95 % uncertainty interval 4 505 792­85 561 810) was spent in the Brazilian Unified Health System in 2019 due to IHD attributable to TFA, with the highest costs of hospitalisations, for males and individuals aged ≥ 50 years or over. The highest costs were observed in Sergipe (Int$ 6508/10 000; 95 % uncertainty interval 576­10 265), followed by the two states from the South. Overall, as the socio-demographic index increases, expenditures increase. CONCLUSIONS: TFA consumption results in a high disease and economic IHD burden in Brazil, reinforcing the need for more effective health policies, such as industrial TFA elimination, following the international agenda.

Industrially produced trans fat and saturated fat content of food products in Jamaica.

Objective: To estimate industrially produced trans and saturated fatty acid levels in foods within the Jamaican food system. Methods: A total of 308 commonly consumed foods were selected for analysis based on their potential to contain trans fatty acids. Samples were collected from supermarkets, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants. Official methods of gas chromatography for the analysis of fats were used. The results were expressed as grams of fatty acid per 100 g of food sample and percentage of total fatty acids. Results: Total fat was found to exceed United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) limits in 27.3% (n = 84/308) of food samples. About one-third (33.8%; n = 104/308) of commonly consumed foods in Jamaica contained varying levels of industrially produced trans fatty acids, while 7.8% exceeded the Pan American Health Organization limit of 2% of total fat. Industrially produced trans fatty acids were found in food categories such as canned meats, baked goods, cooking oils, condiments, breakfast cereals, desserts, dairy, spreads, snacks, and confectionery. The subcategories coconut oils and burgers had the highest mean content. Canned food, infant food, and pasta categories had no trans fat present. Saturated fats were found in almost all foods. Importantly, 32.5% (n = 100/308) of the foods had saturated fat concentrations higher than the NHS limit of 5 g per 100 g of food. Most of the food items with high levels of industrially produced trans fatty acids also contained high levels of saturated fats. Conclusions: Food products in Jamaica contain varying levels of fats that exceeded recommendations which support healthy consumption. Further exploration and reformulation efforts are needed to ensure that nutritional qualities are improved.

Avaliação da presença de ácidos graxos trans e ácidos graxos saturados em bolachas recheadas e bolachas wafers produzidas no Brasil / Evaluation of the presence of trans fatty acids and saturated fatty acids in stuffed cookies and wafers cookies produced in Brazil

Diversas evidências científicas demonstram que o consumo de ácidos graxos trans está associado com mortes por doenças cardiovasculares. A OMS, em 2018, considerando a presença de ácidos graxos trans nos alimentos recomendou a sua total eliminação até o ano de 2023. Sendo assim, no Brasil, em 2019, a RDC 332 aborda que a partir de 01 de janeiro de 2023 estarão proibidas a produção e a importação de ácidos graxos trans em alimentos destinados ao consumo humano. Atualmente, a legislação que está em vigor sobre ácidos graxos trans é a RDC 54, da ANVISA, que estabelece que, somente os alimentos que apresentarem teores de ácidos graxos trans ≤ 0,1 g por porção e somatória de ácidos graxos saturados e ácidos graxos trans até 1,5 g por porção podem alegar zero trans na rotulagem nutricional. As bolachas recheadas e bolachas wafers são importantes representantes de alimentos ultraprocessados, sendo muito consumidas por adultos e principalmente por crianças pelo seu baixo custo e acessibilidade. A partir destas considerações, o objetivo desse estudo foi o de avaliar os teores de ácidos graxos trans e ácidos graxos saturados por cromatografia gasosa em bolachas recheadas e bolachas wafers, comercializadas no Estado de São Paulo, analisando os teores dos ácidos graxos e comparando com a RDC 54. Em 2018 e 2019, foram analisadas 65 bolachas recheadas, e 40 bolachas wafers, as bolachas foram divididas entre as que possuíam ácidos graxos trans nos rótulos, e as que possuíam a ausência dessa gordura. Os teores de ácidos graxos trans encontrados nas bolachas com a presença de ácidos graxos trans na rotulagem, variaram de 0,34 a 5,21 g por 100 g e 0,19 e 8,54 g por 100 g nas bolachas recheadas e nas bolachas wafers, respectivamente. Diante disso, constatou-se que algumas marcas de bolachas recheadas e bolachas wafers apresentaram grandes quantidades de gordura trans em sua composição. Em relação às bolachas recheadas e wafers com a ausência de gordura trans nos rótulos, todas as bolachas estavam em acordo com a legislação vigente em relação aos valores menores ou iguais a 0,1 g de gordura trans por porção, porém, em relação à somatória de ácidos graxos trans e ácidos graxos saturados de até 1,5 g por porção, todas estavam com valores superiores, dessa maneira, os fabricantes dessas bolachas não poderiam alegar zero trans na rotulagem nutricional, e por isto, estavam em desacordo com a legislação vigente. Em 2022, foram reanalisadas seis amostras de bolachas recheadas e quatro amostras de bolachas wafers, que em 2018 apresentaram altos teores de ácidos graxos trans. Também foram analisadas três bolachas wafers que em 2022 ainda apresentavam altos teores de gorduras trans nos rótulos. Os resultados dessas amostras demonstraram que em 2022 ainda há em supermercados brasileiros, bolachas com altos teores de ácidos graxos trans e ácidos graxos saturados em sua composição. Diante disso, ratifica-se a necessidade do cumprimento da legislação vigente e da RDC 332 em 2023 e de fiscalizações mais frequentes pelos órgãos competentes, devido aos malefícios do consumo dos ácidos graxos trans para a saúde da população

There is a lot of scientific evidence showing that consumption of trans fatty acids is associated with deaths from cardiovascular diseases. The WHO in 2018, considering the presence of trans fatty acids in foods, recommended their total elimination by the year 2023. Therefore, in Brazil in 2019, RDC 332 addresses that from January 1, 2023, the production and the importation of trans fatty acids in foods intended for human consumption are prohibited. Currently, the legislation in force on trans fatty acids is ANVISA's RDC 54, this RDC establishes that only foods that have trans fatty acids contents ≤ 0.1 g per serving and the sum of saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids up to 1.5 g per serving can claim zero trans on nutrition labels. Stuffed cookies and wafer cookies are important representatives of ultra-processed foods, being widely consumed by adults and especially children due to their low cost and accessibility. Based on these considerations, the objective of this study was to evaluate the contents of trans fatty acids and saturated fatty acids by gas chromatography (AOAC method 996.06) in stuffed cookies and wafers cookies, commercialized in the State of São Paulo, analyzing the contents of the fatty acids and comparing with RDC 54. In 2018 and 2019, 65 stuffed cookies and 40 wafers cookies were analyzed, the cookies were divided between those that had trans fatty acids on the labels, and those that had the absence of this fat. The levels of trans fatty acids found in the cookies with the presence of trans fatty acids on the label ranged from 0.34 to 5.21 g per 100 g and 0.19 and 8.54 g per 100 g in the stuffed cookies and wafers cookies, respectively. Therefore, it was found that some brands of stuffed cookies and wafers cookies had large amounts of trans fat in their composition. Regarding the stuffed cookies and wafers cookies with the absence of trans fat on the labels, all cookies were in accordance with current legislation in relation to values less than or equal to 0.1 g of trans fat per serving, but in relation to the sum of acids trans fatty acids and saturated fatty acids up to 1.5 g per serving, all had higher values, thus, the manufacturers of these cookies could not claim zero trans on the nutrition label, and therefore, they were in disagreement with the current legislation. In 2022, six samples of stuffed cookies and four samples of wafers were reanalyzed, which in 2018 had high levels of trans fatty acids. Three wafers were also analyzed, which in 2022 still had high levels of trans fats on the labels. The results of these samples showed that in 2022 there are still cookies in brazilian supermarkets with high levels of trans fatty acids and saturated fatty acids in their composition. In view of this, the need to comply with current legislation and RDC 332 in 2023 and more frequent inspections by competent institutions are ratified, due to the harmful effects of the consumption of trans fatty acids on the health of the population

Industrially produced trans fat and saturated fat content of food products in Jamaica / Contenido de ácidos grasos trans y grasas saturadas producidos industrialmente en productos alimenticios en Jamaica / Teor de ácidos graxos trans de produção industrial e ácidos graxos saturados em produtos alimentícios na Jamaica

ABSTRACT Objective. To estimate industrially produced trans and saturated fatty acid levels in foods within the Jamaican food system. Methods. A total of 308 commonly consumed foods were selected for analysis based on their potential to contain trans fatty acids. Samples were collected from supermarkets, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants. Official methods of gas chromatography for the analysis of fats were used. The results were expressed as grams of fatty acid per 100 g of food sample and percentage of total fatty acids. Results. Total fat was found to exceed United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) limits in 27.3% (n = 84/308) of food samples. About one-third (33.8%; n = 104/308) of commonly consumed foods in Jamaica contained varying levels of industrially produced trans fatty acids, while 7.8% exceeded the Pan American Health Organization limit of 2% of total fat. Industrially produced trans fatty acids were found in food categories such as canned meats, baked goods, cooking oils, condiments, breakfast cereals, desserts, dairy, spreads, snacks, and confectionery. The subcategories coconut oils and burgers had the highest mean content. Canned food, infant food, and pasta categories had no trans fat present. Saturated fats were found in almost all foods. Importantly, 32.5% (n = 100/308) of the foods had saturated fat concentrations higher than the NHS limit of 5 g per 100 g of food. Most of the food items with high levels of industrially produced trans fatty acids also contained high levels of saturated fats. Conclusions. Food products in Jamaica contain varying levels of fats that exceeded recommendations which support healthy consumption. Further exploration and reformulation efforts are needed to ensure that nutritional qualities are improved.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Calcular los niveles de ácidos grasos trans y grasas saturadas producidos industrialmente en alimentos del sistema alimentario de Jamaica. Métodos. Se seleccionó un total de 308 alimentos de consumo común para su análisis en función de la posibilidad de que contuvieran ácidos grasos trans. Se recolectaron muestras de supermercados, tiendas de víveres y restaurantes de comida rápida. Para el análisis de las grasas, se utilizaron métodos oficiales de cromatografía de gases. Se expresaron los resultados en gramos por muestra de alimento y grasa total. Resultados. Se concluyó que la grasa total excedía los límites del Servicio Nacional de Salud del Reino Unido (NHS, por su sigla en inglés) en el 27,3% (n = 84/308) de las muestras de alimentos. Alrededor de un tercio (33,8%; n = 104/308) de los alimentos de consumo común en Jamaica contenían niveles variables de grasas trans producidas industrialmente, mientras que el 7,8% excedía el límite de 2% de grasa total de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud. Se encontraron grasas trans producidas industrialmente en categorías de alimentos como carnes enlatadas, productos de repostería, aceites de cocina, condimentos, cereales para el desayuno, postres, lácteos, untables, bocadillos o snacks y dulces. Las subcategorías aceite de coco y hamburguesas mostraron el contenido medio más elevado. Las categorías alimentos enlatados, alimentos infantiles y pasta no presentaron grasas trans. Se encontraron grasas saturadas en casi todos los alimentos. Es importante destacar que el 32,5% (n = 100/308) de los alimentos mostraron concentraciones de grasas saturadas superiores al límite del NHS (5 g por cada 100 g de producto). La mayoría de los alimentos con niveles elevados de ácidos grasos trans producidos industrialmente también contenían altos niveles de grasas saturadas. Conclusiones. Los productos alimentarios en Jamaica contienen niveles variables de grasas que excedieron las recomendaciones relativas a un consumo saludable. Es necesario incrementar los esfuerzos de exploración y reformulación para garantizar una mejora de las cualidades nutricionales.

RESUMO Objetivo. Estimar o teor de ácidos graxos trans de produção industrial e ácidos graxos saturados em produtos alimentícios consumidos no sistema alimentar jamaicano. Métodos. Trezentos e oito gêneros alimentícios amplamente consumidos foram selecionados para análise, com base em seu potencial para conter ácidos graxos trans. As amostras foram coletadas em supermercados, lojas de conveniência e restaurantes de fast-food. Foram utilizados métodos oficiais para análise de ácidos graxos, à base de cromatografia gasosa. Os resultados foram expressos em gramas por gordura total e por amostra de alimento. Resultados. Verificou-se que o teor de gordura total excedeu os limites do Serviço Nacional de Saúde do Reino Unido (NHS) em 27,3% (n = 84/308) das amostras de alimentos. Cerca de um terço (33,8%; n = 104/308) dos alimentos comumente consumidos na Jamaica continham níveis variados de ácidos graxos trans de produção industrial, enquanto 7,8% excediam o limite de 2% de gordura total recomendado pela Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde. Ácidos graxos trans de produção industrial foram encontrados em diferentes categorias de alimentos, como carnes enlatadas, pães e doces, óleos de cozinha, condimentos, cereais matinais, sobremesas, laticínios, pastas, salgadinhos e confeitos. As subcategorias "óleos de coco" e "hambúrgueres" apresentaram o maior teor médio. As categorias "alimentos enlatados", "alimentos infantis" e "massas" não continham gordura trans. Ácidos graxos saturados foram encontrados em quase todos os alimentos. Cabe notar que 32,5% (n = 100/308) dos alimentos tinham teor de gordura saturada superior ao limite preconizado pelo NHS (5 g por 100 g de alimento). A maioria dos alimentos com alto teor de ácidos graxos trans de produção industrial também continha alto teor de gorduras saturadas. Conclusões. Os produtos alimentícios na Jamaica contêm níveis variados de gorduras, excedendo as recomendações que apoiam o consumo saudável. Mais esforços de exploração e reformulação são necessários para garantir que a qualidade nutricional dos alimentos seja melhorada.

Development and application of the TFA macrosimulation model: a case study of modelling the impact of trans fatty acid (TFA) elimination policies in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The consumption of trans-fatty acids (TFA) is directly associated with cardiovascular disease risk and is responsible for a significant health burden globally. The policy strategies for reducing TFA include limiting their content in foods and eliminating partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) in the market. This study aims to describe a comparative risk assessment macrosimulation model and to apply this tool to estimate the potential reductions in CVD mortality gained from the compared scenarios of TFA reduction/elimination in Brazil. METHODOLOGY: We developed and implemented a comparative risk assessment macrosimulation model estimates the potential CVD mortality reduction (coronary heart disease - CHD- and stroke) if TFA intake is reduced in diets. The TFA macrosimulation model estimates the change in the annual number of NCD deaths between baseline with current TFA consumption levels and alternate or counterfactual scenarios, such as considering different limits to TFA content in foods and the elimination of PHO in Brazil in 2018. The model incorporated additional outputs related to other impacts of TFA reduction on DPP, such as Years of Life Lost, Years of Productive Life Lost, and related economic impacts of premature deaths. RESULTS: In 2018, a 2% limit for TFA in the oils and fats and a 5% limit of TFAs for other foods could avert or postpone approximately 2,000 deaths (UI 95% 1,899-2,142) and save US$ 32.1 million savings in productivity losses to the economy associated to premature deaths. An intermediate scenario, applying a 2% limit of TFA in all food products In Brazil could prevent or postpone approximately 6,300 deaths (UI 95% 5,925-6,684) and the premature deaths prevented would represent US$ 100.2 million in economic saving. Finally, by banning PHO, approximately 10,500 deaths could be prevented or postponed (UI 95% 9,963 - 10,909), corresponding to US$ 166.7 million in savings to the economy because of premature deaths. CONCLUSION: The TFA macrosimulation model can efficiently compare different policy scenarios for trans fats reduction policies at the country level and proves that the elimination of PHOs from the food market in Brazil may significantly reduce the health burden of trans fatty acids in the country compared to other policy options. The model also represents a useful public health tool to support TFA reduction and elimination policies in other countries.

Design and Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire to Evaluate the Consumption of Trans Fatty Acids in the Adult Population (FFQ-TFA).

Instruments for estimating the intake of food components can be useful in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases related to improper diet. There is, at present, no scientifically validated instrument for estimating consumption of trans fatty acids (TFA) in the Mexican population. The objective of this study was to design and validate such an instrument: a questionnaire that can be used to estimate consumption of TFA from food products. The questionnaire was applied to 162 students from the Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ). There were two phases to the study: (1) design of a food frequency questionnaire to assess consumption of trans fatty acids (FFQ-TFA) and an eating practices questionnaire (EPQ-TFA); (2) validation of the instrument. Content validity was measured by expert review and by Aiken's V method, obtaining an overall score of 0.895. As final tests for the FFQ-TFA analysis, criterion validity was measured using Spearman's correlation (r = 0.717, p < 0.01) and a linear regression (B = 0.668), considering the results of the 24-h dietary recall (24 HR); and reproducibility or temporal stability was measured using Pearson's correlation (r = 0.406, p < 0.01). Subsequently, a Pearson correlation was applied between TFA consumption estimated by the FFQ-TFA-2 and the global score from the EPQ-TFA-2 (r = 0.351, p < 0.01). A Pearson correlation was applied between the EPQ-TFA-1 and the EPQ-TFA-2 (r = 0.575, p < 0.01). TFA consumption per day was 2.49 ± 1.32 g in the participating population, which was 1.04 ± 0.51% of their total kcal consumption.

Evaluating progress and addressing actions to eliminate industrially produced trans-fatty acids in the Americas / Evaluar el progreso y abordar las medidas para eliminar los ácidos grasos trans de producción industrial en la Región de las Américas / Avaliar o progresso e abordar as ações para eliminar os ácidos graxos trans de produção industrial nas Américas

ABSTRACT Objective. To evaluate the progress toward the 2023 target for the elimination of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (IP-TFA) in the Region of the Americas and to highlight the achievements of the four strategic lines of action from the Plan of Action for the Elimination of IP-TFA 2020-2025. Methods. A survey based on the World Health Organization (WHO) REPLACE package was used to collect data. The REPLACE package outlines six strategic action areas (Review, Promote, Legislate, Assess, Create, Enforce) to support the prompt, complete, and sustained elimination of IP-TFA from the food supply. Information was cross-checked and updated until December 2021. Results. Thirty countries in the Region responded to the survey between November 2019 and July 2020, an 85.7% response rate. As of December 2021, 21 additional indicators of the Regional Plan of Action were met, out of which, four consisted of new enactments of PAHO/WHO best practice policies for the elimination of IP-TFA by countries since baseline data was collected in 2018. This has resulted in a 63.0% increase in the proportion of the population in the Americas protected from consuming IP-TFA in 2021, compared to the baseline in 2018. Conclusion. Despite results showing progress in the Region, actions are needed to strengthen country capacity building and strategies to eliminate IP-TFA and fully achieve the 2023 goal.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar el progreso hacia el logro de la meta prevista para el 2023 para la eliminación de los ácidos grasos trans de producción industrial (AGT-PI) en la Región de las Américas y destacar los logros en las cuatro líneas estratégicas de acción del Plan de acción para la eliminación de los ácidos grasos trans de producción industrial 2020-2025. Métodos. Para recopilar datos se empleó una encuesta basada en el conjunto de medidas REPLACE de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). En el conjunto de medidas REPLACE se describen seis áreas de acción estratégica (revisar, promover, legislar, analizar, concientizar, exigir el cumplimiento) para apoyar la eliminación rápida, completa y sostenida de los AGT-PI del suministro de alimentos. Se verificó y se actualizó la información hasta diciembre del 2021. Resultados. Treinta países de la Región respondieron a la encuesta entre noviembre del 2019 y julio del 2020, una tasa de respuesta del 85,7%. Para diciembre del 2021, se habían cumplido 21 indicadores adicionales del plan de acción regional, cuatro de los cuales consistieron en políticas nuevas relativas a mejores prácticas de la OPS/OMS para la eliminación de los AGT-PI promulgadas por los países desde que se recopilaron los datos de las líneas de base en el año 2018. Esto implica un aumento del 63,0% de la proporción de la población de la Región protegida del consumo de AGT-PI en el 2021, en comparación con la línea de base del 2018. Conclusiones. A pesar de que los resultados muestran progreso en la Región, se necesitan medidas para fortalecer la capacidad y las estrategias de los países a fin de eliminar los AGT-PI y lograr plenamente el objetivo para el 2023.

RESUMO Objetivo. Avaliar o progresso rumo à meta de 2023 para a eliminação dos ácidos graxos trans de produção industrial (AGT-PI) na Região das Américas e destacar as conquistas já obtidas nas quatro linhas estratégicas de ação do Plano de Ação para Eliminar os AGT-PI 2020-2025. Métodos. Um levantamento com base no pacote REPLACE da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) foi usado para coletar dados. O pacote REPLACE delineia seis áreas estratégicas de ação (Revisar, Promover, Legislar, Avaliar, Conscientizar, Estimular) para apoiar a eliminação rápida, completa e sustentada dos AGT-PI da cadeia produtiva de alimentos. As informações foram cruzadas e atualizadas até dezembro de 2021. Resultados. Trinta países da Região responderam à pesquisa entre novembro de 2019 e julho de 2020, o que corresponde a uma taxa de resposta de 85,7%. Até dezembro de 2021, 21 indicadores adicionais do Plano de Ação Regional haviam sido atingidos, quatro dos quais consistiam em novas promulgações de políticas consideradas boas práticas pela OPAS/OMS para a eliminação de AGT-PI pelos países em relação à linha de base de 2018. Isso resultou em um aumento de 63,0% na proporção da população nas Américas protegida do consumo de AGT-PI em 2021, em comparação com a linha de base de 2018. Conclusão. Apesar dos resultados demonstrarem progresso na Região, são necessárias ações para fortalecer a capacitação dos países e as estratégias para eliminar os AGT-PI e alcançar plenamente a meta para 2023.

ERICA: consumption of trans fats and saturated fats associated with dyslipidemia in obese and overweight adolescents / ERICA: consumo de grasas trans y grasas saturadas asociado a la dislipidemia en adolescentes con sobrepeso y obesidad

The study aimed to associate the consumption of trans and saturated fats with dyslipidemia in overweight and obese adolescents who participated in the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA) from February 2013 to November 2014. Anthropometry, food consumption data, and the lipidogram of 9,538 overweight Brazilian adolescents from macro-regions and Teresina were used in the study. We found an association between saturated fats and HDL-c in Teresina and in the Northeastern macro-region (p-value= 0.002 and p-value= 0.033, respectively), showing that adolescents in Teresina who consumed less than 10% of saturated fats were 2.04-fold more likely to have desirable HDL-c (OR= 2.04), while northeastern adolescents were 0.625 less likely to have desirable HDL-c (OR= 0.625). In Teresina, there was an association between saturated fat consumption and total cholesterol (p-value= 0.045), showing that adolescents consuming less than 10% of saturated fats had a 0.543- fold lower odds of having desirable total cholesterol levels (OR= 0.543). Lipid profile was not associated with consumption of trans fats, but with the consumption of saturated fats. It is important to monitor the lipid profile of adolescents, especially in the presence of overweight.

El objective fue asociar el consumo de grasas trans y saturadas y dislipidemia en adolescentes con sobrepeso y obesidad que participaron en el Estudio de Riesgos Cardiovasculares en Adolescentes (ERICA), en el período de febrero de 2013 a noviembre de 2014. Se utilizaron datos antropométricos, consumo alimentario y lipidograma de 9.538 adolescentes, residentes en Brasil, macrorregiones y Teresina. En Teresina y Macroregión Nordeste, hubo asociación entre el consumo de grasa saturada y HDL-c (p-valor= 0,002 y p-valor= 0,033), respectivamente, mostrando que, adolescentes teresinenses con consumo menor que 10% la grasa saturada tiene 2,04 veces más probabilidades de tener HDL-c deseables (OR= 2,04); mientras que los nordestinos que consumen menos del 10% de grasa saturada tienen 0,625 veces la probabilidad de tener HDL-c deseables (OR= 0,625). En Teresina, hubo asociación entre el consumo de grasa saturada y colesterol total (p-valor= 0,045), mostrando que adolescentes con consumo menor que 10% de grasa saturada tienen 0,543 veces la probabilidad de tener colesterol total deseable (OR= 0,543). El perfil lipídico no se asoció al consumo de grasa trans, sino al consumo de grasa saturada. Es importante realizar monitorización del perfil lipídico de adolescentes, especialmente en presencia del sobrepeso.

Processed and ultra-processed food consumption are related to metabolic markers in hemodialysis subjects / Consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados está relacionado a marcadores metabólicos em indivíduos em hemodiálise

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods and evaluate its relationship with the nutritional and metabolic status of hemodialysis patients in a single center in Brazil. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 73 individuals in hemodialysis (50 men and 23 women, 21-87 years-old). Clinical and lifestyle variables were assessed by a semi-structured questionnaire and dietary data by food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric and metabolic data are collected from medical records. Results Processed and ultra-processed foods represented 11.0% of daily caloric intake, 53.0% of trans fatty acid, and 12.5% of salt consumed in the study sample. Individuals who had high intake of this food group (≥128.4g/day, median intake) had higher serum phosphorus and pre-dialysis urea values (p=0.038; p=0.013, respectively). Also, individual with higher consumption of processed meat, sausages and ready prepared food had higher pre-dialysis serum urea (p=0.021), while serum potassium was higher among the subjects who consumed more sauces and salt-based seasonings (p=0.002). Conclusion Higher consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods was associated with important biomarkers of metabolic control for hemodialysis subjects, probably due to non-health dietary composition. Nutritional guidelines and intervention strategies must be promoted to reduce consumption of these food-group in thisspecific population.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados e avaliar sua relação com o estado nutricional e metabólico de pacientes em hemodiálise em um único centro brasileiro. Métodos Este é um estudo transversal com 73 indivíduos em hemodiálise (50 homens e 23 mulheres, 21-87 anos de idade). As variáveis clínicas e de estilo de vida foram avaliados por um questionário semi-estruturado, bem como dados dietéticos por questionário de frequência alimentar. Dados antropométricos e metabólicos foram coletados de registros médicos. Resultados Os alimentos processados e ultraprocessados representaram 11,0% das calorias diárias, 53,0% dos ácidos graxos trans e 12,5% de sódio consumido na amostra estudada. Os indivíduos que tiveram alta ingestão deste grupo alimentar (≥128,4 g/dia, ingestão mediana) apresentaram maiores valores de fósforo sérico e uréia pré-diálise (p=0,038; p=0,013, respectivamente). Também, indivíduos com maior consumo de carne processada, embutidos e refeições prontas apresentaram maior ureia sérica pré-diálise (p=0,021), enquanto o potássio sérico foi maior entre os indivíduos que consumiram mais molhos e temperos á base de sal (p=0,002). Conclusão O maior consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados foi associado a importantes biomarcadores de controle metabólico para indivíduos em hemodiálise, provavelmente devido à composição dietética não saudável. Orientações nutricionais e estratégias de intervenção devem ser promovidas para reduzir o consumo desses alimentos nessa população específica.

Influência do tipo do óleo nas propriedades físicas de oleogéis / Influence of oil type on the oleogels physical properties

A crescente rejeição às gorduras saturadas e trans em decorrência de sua associação com doenças cardiovasculares, entre outras desordens metabólicas de diversas naturezas, tem impulsionado o desenvolvimento de alternativas às gorduras tradicionalmente utilizadas nos processamentos de alimentos. Contudo, o grande desafio reside em conferir funcionalidade tecnológica a lipídios ricos em ácidos graxos insaturados, sendo os oleogéis uma abordagem viável e promissora. Os oleogéis são sistemas constituídos por uma base lipídica composta por óleo no estado líquido estruturada por uma rede tridimensional de moléculas com solubilidade limitada em óleos, chamadas de agentes estruturantes. Estudos recentes relataram a influência do tipo de óleo no processo de formação da rede tridimensional de agentes estruturantes e concluíram que o tamanho da cadeia, a polaridade e a viscosidade do óleo podem afetar grandemente a estrutura do oleogel. Diante disto, o objetivo deste estudo é investigar a influência do tipo de óleo em sua estruturação por cera de candelilla, relacionando as propriedades físicas dos oleogéis formados com diversas características físico-químicas dos óleos que os compõem. Para avaliar esta influência, foram selecionadas bases lipídicas de diferentes composições, como triacilgliceróis de cadeia média (MCT), óleo de girassol alto oleico (HOSO), óleo de girassol (SFO), óleo de linhaça (LSO) e os óleos unicelulares ARASCO e DHASCO, para serem estruturados com cera de candelilla nas concentrações de 1,5, 3,0 e 6,0%. De acordo com as correlações de Pearson estabelecidas, houve uma correlação muito forte (r2 =0,948) entre a firmeza e o conteúdo de ácidos graxos saturados dos óleos, o que pode estar relacionado a uma co-cristalização entre a cera e os ácidos graxos saturados, formando uma estrutura mais firme. Uma correlação forte também foi estabelecida entre o tamanho médio das cadeias de ácidos graxos dos óleos, definido pelo índice de saponificação, e a firmeza dos oleogéis (r2 =0,864). A densidade dos óleos também apresentou correlação forte com a firmeza dos oleogéis (r2 =0,858), assim como a viscosidade apresentou uma forte correlação negativa (r2 = -0,818), o que indica que os óleos mais densos e menos viscosos produzem oleogéis mais firmes. Tanto a cera de candelilla pura quanto os oleogéis apresentaram forma polimórfica ß', que equivale à subcélula ortorrômbica, que demonstra que os diferentes óleos não modificaram a microestrutura da rede de cera de candelilla. Os diferentes tipos de óleo exerceram influência sobre o comportamento de fusão dos oleogéis, fator que permitiu associá-lo a um maior conteúdo de gordura sólida a 20 °C e a um maior teor de triacilgliceróis trissaturados, como nos óleos DHASCO e ARASCO. O grau de insaturação dos óleos influenciou o empacotamento da rede estrutural dos oleogéis, o que foi revelado pela menor perda de óleo nos oleogéis com cadeias mais longas, se comparados ao MCT. Por fim, este trabalho contribuiu com a expansão do conhecimento dos sistemas chamados oleogéis, sugerindo que trabalhos futuros pautem as escolhas de matéria-prima para formulação dos oleogéis nas propriedades de seus componentes. Desta forma, maiores avanços poderão ser alcançados nas pesquisas de sistemas coloidais e consequentemente no desenvolvimento de sistemas de alta qualidade nutricional e, ao mesmo tempo, funcionalidade tecnológica adequada

The growing rejection of saturated and trans fats as a result of their association with cardiovascular diseases, among other metabolic disorders of various kinds, has driven the development of alternative systems to substitute fats traditionally used in food processing. However, the big challenge lies in providing technological functionality to lipids rich in unsaturated fatty acids, with oleogels being a viable and promising approach. Oleogels are systems made up of a lipid base composed of oil in a liquid state structured by a threedimensional network of molecules with limited solubility in oils, called oleogelators. Recent studies have reported the influence of the oil type in the formation process of the threedimensional network of oleogelators and concluded that the fatty acid chain length, the polarity and the viscosity of the oil can greatly affect the structure of the oleogel. In view of this, the objective of this study is to investigate the influence of the oil type in its structuring by candelilla wax, relating the physical properties of the formed oleogels with several physicochemical characteristics of the oils that compose them. To evaluate this influence, lipid bases of different compositions were selected, such as medium chain triglycerides (MCT), high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), sunflower oil (SFO), linseed oil (LSO) and ARASCO and DHASCO single-cell oils, to be structured with candelilla wax in concentrations of 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0% (w/w). According to the Pearson correlations established, there was a very strong correlation (r2 = 0.948) between the firmness and the saturated fatty acid content of the oils, which may be related to a co-crystallization between the wax and the saturated fatty acids, forming a firmer structure. A strong correlation was also established between the average size of the fatty acid chains of the oils, defined by the saponification value, and the oleogel firmness (r2 = 0.864). The density of the oils also showed a strong correlation with the firmness of the oleogels (r2 = 0.858), as well as the viscosity, which showed a strong negative correlation (r2 = -0.818), indicating that oils with higher density and lower viscosity produce firmer oleogels. Both pure candelilla wax and oleogels presented the ß' polymorphic form, which is equivalent to the orthorhombic subcell, demonstrating that the different oils did not modify the microstructure of the candelilla wax network. The different types of oil influenced the melting behavior of oleogels, a factor that allowed it to be associated with a higher solid fat content at 20 °C and a higher content of trisaturated triacylglycerols, as in DHASCO and ARASCO oils. The degree of unsaturation of the oils influenced the packaging of the structural network of oleogels, which was revealed by the higher oil binding capacity in oleogels with longer chains, compared to MCT. Finally, this work contributed to the expansion of knowledge of oleogel systems, suggesting that future work will guide the choices of raw material for formulating oleogels in the properties of their components. Thus, greater advances can be achieved in the research of colloidal systems and, consequently, in the development of high nutritional quality systems allied to adequate technological functionality

Processed and ultra-processed food consumption are related to metabolic markers in hemodialysis subjects / Consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados está relacionado a marcadores metabólicos em indivíduos em hemodiálise

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods and evaluate its relationship with the nutritional and metabolic status of hemodialysis patients in a single center in Brazil. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 73 individuals in hemodialysis (50 men and 23 women, 21-87 years-old). Clinical and lifestyle variables were assessed by a semi-structured questionnaire and dietary data by food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric and metabolic data are collected from medical records. Results Processed and ultra-processed foods represented 11.0% of daily caloric intake, 53.0% of trans fatty acid, and 12.5% of salt consumed in the study sample. Individuals who had high intake of this food group (≥128.4g/day, median intake) had higher serum phosphorus and pre-dialysis urea values (p=0.038; p=0.013, respectively). Also, individual with higher consumption of processed meat, sausages and ready prepared food had higher pre-dialysis serum urea (p=0.021), while serum potassium was higher among the subjects who consumed more sauces and salt-based seasonings (p=0.002). Conclusion Higher consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods was associated with important biomarkers of metabolic control for hemodialysis subjects, probably due to non-health dietary composition. Nutritional guidelines and intervention strategies must be promoted to reduce consumption of these food-group in thisspecific population.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados e avaliar sua relação com o estado nutricional e metabólico de pacientes em hemodiálise em um único centro brasileiro. Métodos Este é um estudo transversal com 73 indivíduos em hemodiálise (50 homens e 23 mulheres, 21-87 anos de idade). As variáveis clínicas e de estilo de vida foram avaliados por um questionário semi-estruturado, bem como dados dietéticos por questionário de frequência alimentar. Dados antropométricos e metabólicos foram coletados de registros médicos. Resultados Os alimentos processados e ultraprocessados representaram 11,0% das calorias diárias, 53,0% dos ácidos graxos trans e 12,5% de sódio consumido na amostra estudada. Os indivíduos que tiveram alta ingestão deste grupo alimentar (≥128,4 g/dia, ingestão mediana) apresentaram maiores valores de fósforo sérico e uréia pré-diálise (p=0,038; p=0,013, respectivamente). Também, indivíduos com maior consumo de carne processada, embutidos e refeições prontas apresentaram maior ureia sérica pré-diálise (p=0,021), enquanto o potássio sérico foi maior entre os indivíduos que consumiram mais molhos e temperos á base de sal (p=0,002). Conclusão O maior consumo de alimentos processados e ultraprocessados foi associado a importantes biomarcadores de controle metabólico para indivíduos em hemodiálise, provavelmente devido à composição dietética não saudável. Orientações nutricionais e estratégias de intervenção devem ser promovidas para reduzir o consumo desses alimentos nessa população específica.

Trans Fat Labeling Information on Brazilian Packaged Foods.

Although the adverse effects of trans fat consumption are well documented, industrially-produced trans fats are still used in a variety of food products. Our objective was to investigate the presence of trans fat information on the nutrition facts panel, in the list of ingredients, and the use of trans fat claims in packaged food and beverages marketed in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study that used data from packaged food and beverages available in the five supermarket chains with the largest market share in Brazil. Of the 11,434 products that were analyzed, 81.3% did not present a source of trans fats in the list of ingredients. The percentages of products with specific (hydrogenated fats or oils) and unspecific trans fat terms (margarine, vegetable fat, and vegetable cream) in the list of ingredients were 4.1% and 14.6%, respectively. Bakery products, cookies and crackers, candies and desserts, snacks, and convenience foods had the highest percentages of trans fat claims. We also found claims in products with ingredients that are sources of trans fats. In conclusion, trans fat ingredients were found in almost one-fifth of the Brazilian packaged foods. The current Brazilian legislation is not sufficient to inform consumers about the content of trans fats in packaged foods. Along with measures to restrict the use of industrially-produced trans fats, improvements in nutritional labeling are also needed.

Trans-fatty acids aggravate anabolic steroid-induced metabolic disturbances and differential gene expression in muscle, pancreas and adipose tissue.

AIMS: Although anabolic steroids (AS) and trans-fatty acids overload exerts systemic toxicity and are independent risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, their interaction remains poorly understood. Thus, we investigated the impact of a diet rich in trans-fatty acids (HFD) combined with AS on glycemic control, lipid profile, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and pancreas microstructure and expression of genes involved in energy metabolism. MAIN METHODS: Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomized into 6 groups treated for 12 weeks with a standard diet (SD) or a diet rich in C18:1 trans-fatty isomers (HFD), alone or combined with 10 or 20 mg/kg testosterone cypionate (AS). KEY FINDINGS: Our results indicated that AS improved glycemic control, upregulated gene expression of Glut-4 and CPT-1 in skeletal muscle, FAS, ACC and UCP-1 in adipose tissue. AS also reduced total and LDL cholesterol in mice fed a SD. When combined with the HFD, AS was unable to induce microstructural adaptations in adipose tissue, pancreatic islets and ß-cells, but potentiated GCK and Glut-2 (pancreas) and Glut-4 and CPT-1 (skeletal muscle) upregulation. HFD plus AS also downregulated FAS and ACC gene expression in adipose tissue. Combined with HFD, AS increased triacylglycerol circulating levels, improved insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in mice. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings indicated that HFD and AS can interact to modulates glycemic control and lipid profile by a mechanism potentially related with a reprogramming of genes expression in organs such as the pancreas, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle.

Screening method for simultaneous detection of elaidic and vaccenic trans fatty acid isomers by capillary zone electrophoresis.

A novel screening method for the simultaneous detection of elaidic and vaccenic trans fatty acid isomers by CZE-UV was proposed and applied to brazilian spreadable cheese analysis. Optimized background electrolyte was composed by 10 mmol L-1 heptakis (2, 3, 6-tri-o-methyl)-beta cyclodextrin, 24 mmol L-1 sodium tetraborate buffer solution, 45% methanol and 15% acetonitrile. Sample preparation comprised only a saponification reaction and dilution of sample solution before analysis. The method proved to be simple, environmental friendly and sensitive (LOD calculated for elaidic and vaccenic acid were 0.0163 mmol L-1 and 0.0169 mmol L-1, respectively) and may be used to detect adulteration in dairy products, where the addition of hydrogenated vegetable fat to food is prohibited.

Contenido de ácidos grasos saturados y trans en materias primas grasas empleadas en algunas panaderías de Medellín / Content of Saturated and Trans Fatty Acids in Margarines Used in Some Bakeries in Medellín

Resumen Antecedentes: estudios previos reportan la presencia de grasas saturadas y grasas trans en productos de panadería, relacionadas con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Sin embargo, se desconoce la procedencia y calidad de las materias primas grasas utilizadas por los panaderos en Medellín. Objetivo: caracterizar las materias primas grasas utilizadas para la preparación de productos de panadería. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, de tipo exploratorio, con 24 muestras. Por cada muestra se realizó una encuesta a los panaderos para evaluar la calidad de las grasas y un análisis por cromatografía de gases para cuantificar 17 grasas saturadas y grasas trans. Resultados: el promedio de grasas trans en las materias primas grasas fue de 0,46 g en 100 g, mientras la normatividad permite 5 g en 100 g (Resolución 2508 de 2012, del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social); el 42,1 % del contenido graso proviene de grasas saturadas; y algunas materias primas grasas no cumplen con la normatividad vigente para el etiquetado de alimentos envasados, pues no tienen rotulado nutricional. Conclusiones: en ninguna de las 24 materias primas grasas evaluadas cromatográficamente se cuantificó un contenido de grasas trans superior a lo permitido por la Resolución 2508, lo cual evidencia el esfuerzo de la industria de alimentos. Es necesario mantener la vigilancia del etiquetado para asegurar su cumplimiento.

Abstract Background: Previous studies have reported the presence of saturated and trans fatty acids in bakery products, which are related with chronic non-communicable diseases. Currently, the origin and quality of the primary fat ingredients and products used by bakers in the city of Medellin is currently unknown. Objective: The aim of this paper is to characterize the primary fat ingredients used for the preparation of bakery products. Materials and Methods: An exploratory transversal descriptive study, with 24 bakery samples belonging to three groups according to socioeconomic level. For each sample, a survey was conducted to evaluate the quality of fat and an analysis by gas chromatography was done to quantify 17 saturated and trans fatty acids was. Results: The average trans fatty acid content in the margarines is 0.46 g per 100 g, however regulatory entities allow 5 g per 100 g (Resolución 2508 de 2012, del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social); 42.1% of fat content comes from saturated fatty acids and some primary fat ingredients do not comply with current regulations for packaged foods. Conclusions: None of the 24 fat ingredient chromatographic evaluations was quantified with trans fatty acids content higher than that allowed by Resolution 2508. This proves the effort of the food industry, however it is necessary to maintain the surveillance of the labeling to ensure compliance.

Analysis of the reduction of trans-fatty-acid levels in the foods of Argentina.

Adverse health effects found to be caused by the industrial trans fatty acids (TFAs) encouraged significant changes in the food supply. A working model was implemented based on a multisectoral approach to monitor progress in the reduction of TFAs in compliance with Argentine food regulations. We analysed the fatty-acid profiles of commercial foods over the entire country comparing the results before and after the deadline for the compliance. A 93% adherence in the foods was obtained after the finalisation of the deadline for the compliance with the limited use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The analytical monitoring was a key tool operating for the compliance by the food manufacturers. The industrial TFAs were mostly replaced by semisolid fractions of vegetable oils containing high percentages of saturated fatty acids. Promising innovations for the food industry were established that provided more healthful alternative substitutes for TFAs.

Influence of trans fatty acids on glucose metabolism in soleus muscle of rats fed diets enriched in or deprived of linoleic acid.

PURPOSE: Industrial trans fatty acid (TFA) intake leads to impaired glucose metabolism. However, the overall effects reported are inconsistent and vary with the dietary FA composition and TFA isomer type and levels. We investigated TFA effects on glucose uptake, incorporation and oxidation, and glycogen synthesis in incubated soleus muscle under basal conditions or after treatment with insulin and/or palmitate. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were fed either linoleic acid (LA)-enriched (+LA) or LA-deprived (-LA) diet, supplemented (+LA + TFA or -LA + TFA) or not with TFA, for 60 days. Soleus muscle glucose metabolism was assessed in the absence or presence of insulin and/or palmitic acid. RESULTS: Under basal conditions, TFA enhanced glucose uptake and oxidation regardless of the LA status. Both TFA-supplemented groups had lower insulin response to glucose metabolism. Under insulin-stimulated conditions, TFA prevented the palmitate inhibition of muscle glucose uptake and metabolism in the +LA + TFA group. CONCLUSION: Dietary TFA enhanced glucose utilization in incubated soleus muscle under basal conditions and prevented the palmitate-induced inhibition in insulin-stimulated conditions. However, TFA reduced the insulin response to glucose uptake and metabolism. The effects mentioned above were influenced by the FA profile modifications induced by the dietary LA levels, suggesting that lipid metabolization and incorporation into plasma membrane are important determining factors of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Were policies in Brazil effective to reducing trans fat from industrial origin in foods?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To determine the trans fatty acids content of processed foods frequently consumed by adults living in a Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after the enactment of a mandatory trans fatty acids labelling policy. METHODS Between February 2014 and January 2015, a specifically dietary questionnaire was completed by 107 adults to assess the frequency of processed foods consumption. The most commonly consumed products from the survey, including vegetable oils, margarine, biscuits, snacks, cheese bread (pão de queijo), french fries, cheeseburger and ice cream, were then analyzed for their trans fatty acids content using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. RESULTS Differences in the levels of trans fatty acids were observed among 22 products analyzed, considering that trans fatty acids content ranged between 0.0 g/100 g in samples of cream cracker biscuit 1 and olive oil to 0.83 g/100 g in samples of cheeseburger (fast food), 0.51 g/100 g in samples of frozen pão de queijo and 12.92 g/100 g in samples of chocolate sandwich cookies with cream filling 2. The overall trans fatty acids content of the different samples of margarine brands was 0.20 g/100 g for brand 1 and 0.0 g/100 g for brand 2. These data are significantly lower than those observed in a survey conducted in 2003, when the regulation had been enacted. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that Brazilian regulation is very likely implicated in the observed drop in trans fatty acids of the most processed foods but has yet to eliminate them, which reinforces the urgent need to revise the legislation, since a minimum amount of trans fat does not mean that the food product does not contain this type of fat.

Alimentos procesados como fuente de ácidos grasos trans totales en zonas urbanas de Paraguay / Processed foods as source of total trans fatty acids in urban areas of Paraguay

Los lípidos de los alimentos cumplen un papel fundamental en nutrición humana. Con base en los potenciales efectos perjudiciales para la salud de las dietas altas en ácidos grasos trans (AGT) y la necesidad de contar con información sobre los niveles en alimentos de consumo local, se han investigado el contenido de AGT por espectrometría infrarroja, grasas totales y el porcentaje de AGT con respecto a lípidos totales en algunos alimentos procesados y materia prima grasa comercializados en cuatro ciudades de zonas urbanas del Paraguay. De los 28 tipos de alimentos analizados, el 84,7% contenía ≥0,2 gAGT/porción. Alrededor del 79% superó 5% de AGT totales en el contenido lipídico del alimento, nivel superior al recomendado actualmente por la OMS. En las muestras de materia prima grasa, se encontraron niveles excepcionalmente altos de AGT totales (77,6%) en comparación con los niveles recomendados (5%). Este trabajo presenta los primeros datos sobre el contenido de AGT en alimentos tradicionales de consumo en Paraguay como la chipa1, y destaca la importancia del control de la composición de los alimentos de venta local y sin etiquetado, así como la necesidad de apuntar a la reformulación de estos alimentos, con menores niveles de AGT con base en las recomendaciones nutricionales actuales a nivel mundial para la prevención de enfermedades cardiovasculares.

The food fats play a fundamental role in human nutrition. Based on the known adverse health effects of diets high in trans fatty acids (TFA) and the need for information on levels in food for local consumption, in this work we investigated the content of total lipids and total TFA in some processed foods and fat raw material commercialized in four cities in urban areas of Paraguay. Of the 28 types of foods analyzed, 84.7% contained ≥0.2 g TFA/serving. Approximately 79% exceeded 5% of total TFA in food fat, which is higher than those levelscurrently recommended by the WHO. In raw material fat samples, exceptionally high levels of total TFA were found (77.6%) compared to the recommended level (5%). This paper presents the first data on the content of TFA in traditional foods of consumption in Paraguay, as “chipa”, and highlights the importance of the control of the composition of the foods of local sale and without labeling, as well as the need to point to the reformulation of these foods, with lower levels of trans fatty acids based on the current nutritional recommendations worldwide for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Influence of physical activity on addiction parameters of rats exposed to amphetamine which were previously supplemented with hydrogenated vegetable fat.

Amphetamine (AMPH) and its derivatives are addictive drugs used to promote and enhance alertness, motivation, willingness, courage and wellbeing. However, their chronic use is related to memory loss, emotional instability, insomnia, psychosis and paranoia. In the last decades, modern society has included processed foods, rich in trans fatty acids (TFA), in their diet, what has been related to several health problems including increased AMPH preference and self-administration. In this scenario, physical activity appears to be useful to attenuate rewarding symptoms related to addictive drugs mainly by affecting brain neuroplasticity and neurotransmission. The current study has been developed to assess the influence of physical activity on addiction parameters of rats exposed to AMPH which were previously supplemented with hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF), rich in TFA. After six weeks of HVF or soybean oil (SO, control group) supplementation, adult rats were conditioned with d,l-AMPH or vehicle for 14 days. Then, half of each experimental group was submitted to physical activity in treadmill running sessions (60min/day, 5 days/week) for 5 weeks. Animals were re-conditioned with AMPH or vehicle for 3 more days, to observe drug relapse. Locomotor activity and anxiety-like symptoms were observed 24h after the last AMPH reconditioning, and fatty acids composition was quantified in the ventral tegmental area, striatum and prefrontal cortex. All animals showed AMPH preference, but only SO sedentary showed drug relapse. No differences were observed in locomotor activity among groups, while HVF-supplemented group showed decreased exploration per se, and physical activity prevented this. Moreover, AMPH-HVF group showed increased anxiety-like symptoms, which were prevented by physical activity. These results indicate that HVF supplementation modifies AMPH addiction, whereas regular physical activity could be protective against both AMPH and TFA damages.