People who eat a lot of trans fats (like in fried or processed foods) are more likely to have heart problems than those who eat very little.

Scientific Claim

Higher dietary intake of trans fatty acids is associated with a 16% increased risk of coronary disease when comparing the highest to lowest third of intake, suggesting trans fats may contribute to cardiovascular risk.

Original Statement

“In observational studies, relative risks for coronary disease were ... 1.16 (CI, 1.06 to 1.27) for trans fatty acids when the top and bottom thirds of baseline dietary fatty acid intake were compared.”

From study:Association of dietary, circulating, and supplement fatty acids with coronary risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The claim uses observational data and correctly frames the finding as an association, not causation. The verb 'is associated with' aligns with the study design and GRADE guidelines.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Association of dietary, circulating, and supplement fatty acids with coronary risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Human

2014 Mar 18

This big study looked at what people ate and found that those who ate the most trans fats had a 16% higher chance of heart disease than those who ate the least — so yes, trans fats are linked to more heart problems.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Association of dietary, circulating, and supplement fatty acids with coronary risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Score: 42

DOI: 10.7326/m13-1788

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