Types of fat

Question
Hi,

I've got what hopefully will be a fairly trivial question - about what the differences between hydrogenated fats and trans fats are. I remember reading somewhere that they were the same thing, but a brand of margerine advertises 'no hydrogenated fats, and virtually no trans fats', suggesting they are different.

Any enlightenment on this would be greatly appreciated!

Regards,
Sam

Answer
They are the same thing. Hydrogenated fats or trans fatty acids are created when hydrogen is added to a polyunsaturated fat to make it a solid at room temperature such as margarine.  The more solid and hydrogenated the fat, the more trans fatty acids or hydrogenated fats there are in the product.
Starting in 2006 trans fatty acids will begin to appear on food labels as a required part.  Because most food labels do not include the amount of trans-fat on the Nutrition Facts panel as of yet, it is wise to look for "partially hydrogenated" vegetable oils. If this is listed as one of the first three ingredients, it usually indicates the product contains substantial amounts of trans-fats.
My guess with the margarine you saw, it is just a marketing ploy to make it sound the best they can.
Hope that helps,
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

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