A press release from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) in the US reports that levels of trans fatty acids in the blood of white males decreased 58% between 2000 and 2009. During this time, regulations have been introduced and consumer awareness programs have been run to help people reduce their intake.
Trans fatty acids have been used in food production for the last 100 years for a number of reasons including that they are cheaper than animal fats, extend shelf life and decrease refrigeration requirements. However, they also increases LDL cholesterol in the blood, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease.