Banning trans fats is linked to reduced hospital admissions, say researchers

Sally Robertson, BSc

Laws in certain New York counties that place restrictions on adding trans fats to foods have immediately had a positive impact on the public’s heart health, according to research published in JAMA Cardiology.

In a study that compared counties that impose the restrictions to counties that do not, the number of hospitalizations for heart attack and stroke was significantly reduced among people living in areas where trans fats are restricted.

The findings point to the possibility of a widespread cardiovascular health benefit when the FDA’s policies on trans fats are implemented nationwide next year.

“The most important message from these data is that they confirm what we predicted — benefit in the reduction of heart attacks and strokes,” says lead author Eric Brandt from Yale University in Connecticut… “This is a well-planned and well-executed public policy.”

Trans fatty acids are often found in foods such as chips, fried foods and baked goods. Consuming lower amounts of these fats is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death worldwide. Between 2007 and 2011, some counties in New York have introduced restrictions on the use of trans fats in restaurants and other public eateries such as bakeries and soup kitchens. In 2018, the restrictions are set to take effect nationwide.

To study the impact of these restrictions, Brandt and team used data from the state department of health and census estimates between 2002 and 2013, to test the effect of the ban on hospital admissions for heart attack and stroke. They looked at nine counties that had imposed the restrictions and eight that had not.

The researchers found that three years after trans fats were limited in certain counties, there was a 6.2% decline in hospital admissions for heart attack and stroke among people living in those areas, compared with those not living in them.

"It is a pretty substantial decline," says Brandt… "Our study highlights the power of public policy to impact the cardiovascular health of a population.”

The findings indicate that the FDA’s plans for 2018, which is to restrict the use of trans fats in all foods nationwide, will provide a significant widespread benefit to people’s heart health.

“A nationwide trans-fat ban is a win for the millions of people at risk for cardiovascular disease," Brandt concludes.

Sally Robertson

Written by

Sally Robertson

Sally first developed an interest in medical communications when she took on the role of Journal Development Editor for BioMed Central (BMC), after having graduated with a degree in biomedical science from Greenwich University.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Robertson, Sally. (2019, June 20). Banning trans fats is linked to reduced hospital admissions, say researchers. News-Medical. Retrieved on December 27, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20170413/Banning-trans-fats-is-linked-to-reduced-hospital-admissions-say-researchers.aspx.

  • MLA

    Robertson, Sally. "Banning trans fats is linked to reduced hospital admissions, say researchers". News-Medical. 27 December 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20170413/Banning-trans-fats-is-linked-to-reduced-hospital-admissions-say-researchers.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Robertson, Sally. "Banning trans fats is linked to reduced hospital admissions, say researchers". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20170413/Banning-trans-fats-is-linked-to-reduced-hospital-admissions-say-researchers.aspx. (accessed December 27, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Robertson, Sally. 2019. Banning trans fats is linked to reduced hospital admissions, say researchers. News-Medical, viewed 27 December 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20170413/Banning-trans-fats-is-linked-to-reduced-hospital-admissions-say-researchers.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Collaborative project seeks to close diagnostic gap in asthma care