The U.S. has made major progress in removing trans fats from the food supply—and now, we’re seeing real public health benefits. According to a new study published in JAMA, counties in New York that restricted industrial trans fats experienced a significant 6.2% reduction in heart attack and stroke hospitalizations within just three years. This provides compelling evidence that regulatory efforts are paying off.
FDA’s Push to Eliminate Trans Fats
What Are Trans Fats?
Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that can be either naturally occurring (in small amounts in meat and dairy) or artificially created through a process called hydrogenation. Industrially produced trans fats are commonly found in processed foods and have long been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In 2013, the FDA removed trans fats from the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list, and by 2018, began implementing a full phase-out. This follows a long-term campaign dating back to the late 1990s to reduce trans fat consumption.
Have Trans Fats Really Declined?
Yes. According to FDA estimates, consumer trans fat intake dropped by 78% between 2003 and 2012. This is supported by data from the Framingham Offspring Study, which showed a 24% decrease in red blood cell trans fat levels between 1999 and 2006.
OmegaQuant Confirms the Trend in Blood Testing
At OmegaQuant, analysis of Trans Fat Index (TFI) data from 2009 to 2014 confirms this national trend. TFI levels in both dried blood spot (DBS) and red blood cell (RBC) samples decreased by 36% over six years. By 2014, average TFI levels approached the desirable range of under 1.0%.
This indicates that trans fat elimination efforts are having a measurable impact on blood markers, suggesting a positive shift in cardiovascular risk at the population level.
How Much Trans Fat Is Too Much?
German Study Suggests Safe TFI Threshold
A recent study from the LURIC cohort in Germany evaluated trans fat levels in over 3,200 participants being assessed for heart disease. Researchers followed subjects for a decade and found:
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A TFI under 1% was not associated with increased heart disease risk
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Higher levels of certain naturally occurring trans fats (like trans-palmitoleic acid) were actually linked to better heart outcomes
This reinforces the target range used by OmegaQuant and others: <1% TFI is ideal for reducing cardiovascular risk.
Where We Stand Today
While average TFI levels in the U.S. are approaching 1%, about half of the population remains above this threshold, meaning there’s still work to do.
Trans Fats Still Hiding in Your Food
Why the Labels Can Be Misleading
Even though food manufacturers are required to list trans fats on the Nutrition Facts Panel, there’s a loophole: if a serving contains less than 0.5 grams, it can legally be labeled as “0 grams.” That means many products still contain trace amounts of trans fats without declaring them.
To spot hidden trans fats:
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Check ingredient lists for “partially hydrogenated oils”
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Be wary of highly processed foods like cookies, pies, microwave popcorn, margarine, and coffee creamers
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Remember: multiple small servings can add up quickly
Full Removal Still in Progress
Although the FDA’s ban is in motion, complete removal of trans fats from the food supply will take several more years. Until then, it’s important to stay informed and make smart food choices.
Why Omega-3s Still Deserve the Spotlight
Omega-3s vs Trans Fats
Unlike trans fats, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have well-established benefits for heart health, brain function, and inflammation control. In fact, some of the damage done by trans fats may be mitigated by increasing omega-3 intake.
Where trans fats increase inflammation and plaque formation, omega-3s help to:
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Support arterial flexibility and heart rhythm stability
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Improve your Omega-3 Index, a critical marker of cardiovascular health
Ballstad Omega-3: A Smart, Heart-Friendly Choice
As the food industry phases out harmful fats, it's a great time to actively increase the good fats in your diet. Ballstad Omega-3 provides premium, sustainably sourced EPA and DHA in purified fish oil form. Whether you're working to reduce cardiovascular risk or simply promote daily wellness, Ballstad Omega-3 is a trusted, effective solution.
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Supports healthy blood lipid levels
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Contributes to a stronger heart and sharper mind
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Backed by rigorous quality and purity standards
Good News, But Stay Vigilant
The decline in trans fat consumption is a huge public health victory, with early evidence showing a real-world drop in heart disease and stroke admissions. But trans fats haven’t disappeared entirely, and many Americans still exceed the ideal TFI threshold.
As trans fats leave the food supply, now is the time to replace them with heart-supportive nutrients—and omega-3s are the perfect fit.
Choose Ballstad Omega-3 to nourish your body with the healthy fats it needs, every day.
Credit: OmegaQuant Website
