Food manufacturers in the United States are now required to put labels indicating the amount of trans fat contained in their food products. Consuming a large amount of trans fat might increase the risk of colon cancer, according to a new study in a recent issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology .

Researchers from the University of North Carolina found that people who had a high intake of trans fats were more likely to have pre-cancerous colon polyps than those who had a low trans fat intake. They studied 622 people who had colonoscopies in either 2001 or 2002 and evaluated their diets. Study participants who consumed the most trans fat were 86% more likely to have colon polyps than participants who consumed the least.

Consumption of products with trans fats increases levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or 'bad' cholesterol, and has previously been linked to an increased risk for heart disease. The findings of this study seem to provide even more evidence supporting the recommendation to limit the consumption of trans fats.

Source

Am J Epidemiol. 2008;168:289-297.