What are examples of recently synthesized artificial fats

that can be used to replace fats in foods? Are they harmful to

humans? Discuss and support with published studies.

An example of a synthesized artificial fat that can be used to replace fats

in foods is the Trans fatty acid. This fatty acid has a Trans configuration which

means that hydrogen atoms are attached at opposite sides of the bond.

Diagram of the molecular structure of a trans-unsaturated fatty acid

It is a fatty acid that is made when food companies shoot gas through oil,

also called partial hydronization. As a result the hydrogen bonds with the carbon

making the food have a longer shelf life and a stable flavor. It is these Trans fatty

acids are usually found in margarine, non-dairy coffee creamers, some whip

creams, "soft-serve" ice creams, many breads and restaurant French fries. Here

are some specific examples of foods with Trans fatty acids:

Grams (gm) of Trans Fatty Acid in One Serving of Selected Foods (from U.S. Dept. of

Agriculture):

• Vegetable shortening 1.4-4.2 gm

• Margarine (stick) 1.8-3.5 gm

• Margarine (tub, regular) 0.4-1.6 gm

 • Salad dressings (regular) 0.06-1.1 gm

• Vegetable oils 0.01-0.06 gm

• Pound cake 4.3 gm

• Doughnuts 0.3-3.8 gm

• Microwave popcorn (regular) 2.2 gm

• Vanilla wafers 1.3 gm

• French fries (fast food) 0.7-3.6 gm

• Snack crackers 1.8-2.5 gm

• Snack chips 0-1.2 gm

• Chocolate candies 0.04-2.8 gm

• White bread 0.06-0.7 gm

• Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals 0.05-0.5 gm

However, even though Trans fatty acids make our food be last longer and

taste better they pose a threat to our bodies. According to the study of the Food

and Drug Administration (FDA), Trans fatty acids contribute to the LDL-C (“bad

cholesterol”) that increases the risk of coronary heart disease. This disease kills

about 500,000 people every year and is the leading cause of death in the United

States (American Heart Association). Our body cannot differentiate an artificial

fatty acid and a natural one, thus it absorbs both making our cells hydrogenated.

These hydrogenated cells in our bodies can cause sexual dysfunction, weakened

immune system, cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and obesity (FDA).

Another example of an artificial fatty acid is Olestra. It is a synthetic

combination of vegetable oil and sugar that passes through our body undigested.
It was made so that we can eat it without adding fats or calories to our bodies.

On the other hand, the FDA and other researchers believe that it is harmful to the

body since they are not sure of what it does as it passes through our system.

One theory in the Health in the News issue December 1995 is that vitamins stick

to these fats and go out of the body undigested. They also believe that it can

reduce carotenoids (building blocks of our immune system) in the body. In

addition to keeping the immune system healthy, carotenoids minimize the

probability of heart diseases, cancer and vision problem. With our immune

systems weakened we are subjected to more health risks. Olestra also has

immediate effects such as stomach cramping, gas or diarrhea. The Center for

Science in the Public Interest also issued a press release concerning the effects

of Olestra on July 1997. They have reported incidents of people having stomach

cramps and vomiting after eating a pack of chips containing Olestra.

A ball and stick model of Olestra, showing a central sucrose molecule with ester-linked
fatty acids
 Though these effects have yet to be proven the Mayo Clinic advises, “It's

okay in small amounts if you're a healthy adult who's eating a well-balanced

diet and aware of potential risks. But at this time we cannot comfortably

recommend that children and teens eat foods made with olestra because there

are only limited studies on the substitute that have included them.”

References:

Internet Cites:

Website on Eating disorders. Something Fishy. Artificial Sweeteners

and Fat Substitutes, <http://www.something-
fishy.org/dangers/sugarfat.php>. Accessed on June 29, 2008.

BruceCordell.com:: Politics. Artificial Fats are killing you,

<http://homepage.mac.com/macbrucecordell/B1283663648/C2228
4971/E1643536965/index.html>. Accessed on June 28, 2008.

Healthlink. Medical College of Wisconsin. Trans Fatty Acids,

<http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/957902041.html>. Accessed on
June 28, 2008.

Wikipedia. Olestra. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olestra>. Accessed

on June 28, 2008

Wikipedia. Trans fat. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_fat>.

Accessed on June 28, 2008