High trans fat intake was associated with as many as seven percent of all deaths in the U.S. in recent years, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It correlated trans fat intake and mortality rates of 18,500 people (ages 45 and older) for seven years.
The 40 percent of people who consumed the most trans fats—at least seven grams a day on a 2,000-calorie daily diet—had a 25 percent higher mortality rate from all causes than those who ate less.
Trans fats lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and previous studies have linked them with heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and other diseases. They come from partially hydrogenated oils used in many processed and fast foods.
Fortunately, thanks to government and industry steps, trans fat usage has been dropping since the data in this study were gathered, so fewer people are consuming such high levels.