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Dietary intake of trans fatty acids (TFA) has recently been linked to the incidence of coronary heart disease. Partially hydrogenated oils and milk and depot fat of ruminant animals are widely regarded as the major sources of dietary TFA. Data concerning TFA contents of industrially prepared food, so-called convenience food, are, however, scarce. Therefore, the fatty acid composition of 52 canned meat products, 51 dry products (soups and sauces), 51 bakery products and snacks, and 74 ready prepared meals (canned or deep-frozen) was examined by gas/liquid chromatography. Canned meat products or prepared meals are no major sources for dietary TFA. Both product groups provided less than 1 g/100 g meat or serving. Contrary to this, dried food items may contain up to 9 g TFA/100 g product.

Comparative Bioavailability of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid from Triglycerides, Free Fatty Acids and Ethyl Esters in Volunteers. The bioavailability of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from triglycerides, free fatty acids and ethyl esters was investigated in 8 female volunteers in a randomized triple cross-over trial with baseline control. EPA/DHA was administered in capsules in form of triglycerides (1.68/0.72 g), free fatty acids (1.35/1.065 g) and ethyl esters (1.86/1.27 g). The resulting EPA/DHA plasma levels were determined and evaluated. The mean relative bioavailability of EPA/DHA compared to triglycerides was 186/136% from free fatty acids and 40/48% from ethyl esters. Maximal plasma levels were about 50% higher with free fatty acids and about 50% lower with ethyl esters as compared to triglycerides. The tolerability of the free fatty acids was much worse than that of triglycerides and ethyl esters. The main side effect was eructation.