Does eating trans fats in foods like margarine and baked goods increase heart disease risk in women?
What the Evidence Shows
What we've found so far suggests that eating trans fats from foods like margarine, cookies, cake, and white bread may be linked to a higher chance of heart disease in women [1]. Our analysis of the available research shows no studies contradicting this link, and all the evidence we’ve reviewed supports this direction.
We looked at 33 studies or claims that examine how trans fats affect heart disease risk in women . Every one of them points toward a connection between eating trans fats and increased risk. These fats are often found in processed foods, especially those made with partially hydrogenated oils. While we can’t say for certain what causes what, the pattern we see is consistent: women who eat more of these foods tend to have higher rates of heart disease.
That said, our current analysis doesn’t prove that trans fats directly cause heart disease in women. We’re only reporting what the evidence we’ve reviewed shows — and so far, it leans clearly in one direction. There are no studies in our review that say trans fats lower risk or have no effect .
We also don’t yet know how strong this link might be across different groups of women, or how other lifestyle factors might influence it. But based on what we’ve seen, reducing intake of processed foods with trans fats may be a sensible choice.
Practical takeaway: If you're aiming to support heart health, it may help to limit foods like margarine, baked goods, and processed snacks that often contain trans fats.