Infertility :: Eating trans fats may increase infertility risk

Trans fats, unsaturated fats may increase the risk of ovulatory infertility when consumed instead of carbohydrates or unsaturated fats commonly found in nonhydrogenated vegetable oils, revealed by researchers from Harvard School of Public Health.

Pharmacologic activation of the peroxisome proliferator?activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR-{gamma}) improves ovulatory function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and specific dietary fatty acids can affect PPAR-{gamma} activity. Researchers’ objective of the study was to assess whether the intakes of total fat, cholesterol, and major types of fatty acids affect the risk of ovulatory infertility.

In this study, researchers found eating trans fats are associated with a 73% greater risk of ovulatory infertility in women. The more trans fats a woman eats, the more likely she is to be infertile.

Trans fats are found in fried foods, packaged snacks, commercial baked goods and other sources, and are known to increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The Food and Drug Administration now requires manufacturers to state on their label if a food contains a half gram of trans fat per serving or more, but foods with less than a half gram are allowed to claim that they have zero grams of trans fat. To cut trans fats out of the diet completely, people should avoid all foods that list hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils in their ingredients.