Trans Fat Consumption Allegedly Linked to Diminished Memory

University of California, San Diego, researchers have presented a study
at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2014, claiming
that working-age men who consumed higher amounts of trans fat “had
significantly reduced ability to recall words.” According to a November 18,
2014, press release, the study analyzed dietary data from 1,000 healthy men
younger than age 45 and asked them to complete a word memory test.

The results evidently showed that “each additional gram a day of trans fats
consumed was associated with an estimated 0.76 fewer words correctly
recalled.” Participants who consumed the most trans fat remembered 11
fewer words than adults who ate the least trans fat, a 10 percent reduction
in words remembered.

“Trans fats were most strongly linked to worse memory, in young and
middle-aged men, during their working and career-building years,” the lead
author was quoted as saying. “From a health standpoint, trans fat consumption
has been linked to higher body weight, more aggression and heart
disease. As I tell patients, while trans fats increase the shelf life of foods,
they reduce the shelf life of people.”

Issue 546