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Trans Fats Damage Certain Cells

Deep fried and processed foods, all rich in trans fatty acids, can affect more than just the waistline. The typical American diet is full of these types of fats and often has insufficient magnesium, a combination that may damage endothelial cells and lead to atherosclerosis, according to research conducted by Fred Kummerow, Ph.D., of the University of Illinois in Urbana.

Kummerow cultured endothelial cells from human umbilical cords in different concentrations of magnesium, a known cell membrane stabilizer, along with trans fatty acids for three days and then measured each cell's calcium content. He found that the combination of high trans fatty acids and low magnesium resulted in calcium influx into the cells, a hallmark of atherosclerosis. In one example, calcium influx was 1.82 cpm/mg of protein when exposed to 0.95 mmol/L of magnesium and no trans fatty acids. However, when cells were incubated with 12 mmol of a trans elaidic acid and 0.57 mmol/L magnesium, the calcium influx was 2.57 cpm/mg protein.

The fact that these placental cells are so sensitive to trans fatty acids may explain why so many infants show fatty streaks, the beginning of atherosclerosis, and why so many adolescents already have the disease. The authors conclude that "a diet inadequate in magnesium combined with trans fat may increase the risk of calcification of endothelial cells."

All fatty acids eaten are metabolized and deposited in various human tissues. Mother's milk can contain as much as 17 percent trans fatty acids. To reduce risk to infants, the authors suggest lactating women make sure they get enough magnesium and avoid eating foods rich in trans fatty acids, such as margarine, shortening and hydrogenated oils.

—American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1999 Nov;70832-8.