55 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits The placenta only partially acts as a barrier for trans fatty acids and is not impervious. Some of the trans fatty acids cross it and accumulate in the liver and fetal carcass, reducing the levels of fetal long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which, as has been previously mentioned, play a key role in the newborn. Trans fatty acid ingestion directly correlates with its levels in breast milk which can be used as a biomarker for trans fatty acid ingestion. The breastmilk fatty acid profile is altered by dietary habits which may be very local, and consequently affect research findings. Trans fatty acids in breast milk, however, do not severely impair its long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content given that it is well-regulated. Levels of AA are not largely affected by the type of diet (for instance, omnivores versus vegetarians; European diet versus African one). This suggests a protective mechanism in newborns and children to maintain proper levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Figure 2.6. Trans fatty acid effects during pregnancy. Interference of dietary trans fatty acids with fatty acid fetal transfer during pregnancy. FA: fatty acids; DHA: docosahexaenoic acid; AA: arachidonic acid. FETUS PREGNANT MOTHER Essential FA Long chain FA DHA, AA Child growth Neurodevelopment 2.5. Legislation for trans fatty acids In Spain, the composition of ingredients in a food must be present on its label. It is convenient, but not mandatory, to indicate not only the amount of total fat and saturated fat but also the monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty content (in
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