Application Notes:
This is a trans fatty acid methyl ester and is an isomer of oleic acid. Much of the fatty acid content in hydrogenated fats is
elaidic acid as oleic acid is converted to the trans isomer. It is an enhancer of cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity which
increases low density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreases high density lipoprotein cholesterol.1 Consumption of trans fats
have long been suspected to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, change the blood lipid profiles, alter endothelial
functions, and affect immune function. Elaidic acid has been found to cause a pro-inflammatory T-cell response2 and it
increases the concentration of lipoprotein(a).3 Recently elaidic acid from partially hydrogenated fats has been implicated in
the development of preeclampsia.4
References:
1. M. Abbey and P. Nestel “Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity is increased when trans-elaidic acid is substituted for cis-oleic acid in the diet”
Atherosclerosis, Vol. 106(1) pp. 99-107, 1994
2. M. Ruth et al. “Vaccenic and Elaidic Acid Modify Plasma and Splenocyte Membrane Phospholipids and Mitogen-Stimulated Cytokine Production in
Obese Insulin Resistant JCR: LA-cp Rats” Nutrients, Vol. 2 pp. 181-197, 2010
3. P. Nestel et al. “Plasma lipoprotein lipid and Lp[a] changes with substitution of elaidic acid for oleic acid in the diet” Journal of Lipid Research, Vol. 33
pp. 1029-1036, 1992
4. M. Williams et al. “Risk of Preeclampsia in Relation to Elaidic Acid (Trans Fatty Acid) in Maternal Erythrocytes” Gynecologic and Obstetric
Investigation, Vol. 46(2), 1998