Trans fatty acids (tfas) in selected processed foods in retail Markets of Morogoro
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Globally, increased Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) intake is estimated to be responsible for
more than 500,000 deaths annually. There are consistent evidences of adverse health effects of
industrial TFAs on blood lipoprotein profiles, coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, promotion
of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. In Tanzania, there is a sharp increase in Diet-Related
Non Communicable Diseases (DR-NCDs). Reduction of TFAs in foods is considered as the most
appropriate measure for tackling DR-NCDs in low and middle income countries. In May 2018,
WHO announced strategic initiatives to make the world trans fatty acid free by 2023. The current
study was conducted to determine the TFAs levels in “Chapatti”, wheat buns, rice buns, potato
chips and partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) from retail shops in Morogoro region. A total of 60
samples were collected from two districts and analysed for total TFAs by Gas Chromatography
Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Means were separated
by Tukey‘s honest Test at P≤0.05. Results indicated that all samples contained TFAs levels that
were above the maximum recommended level by WHO of less than or equal to 2g/100g of fat,
with the exception of “Chapatti”. The highest amount of TFAs was observed in PHOs (5.69±0.042
g/100g fat). The mean TFAs concentration differed significantly among food types at P≤0.05).
There was no significant effect of locations from where samples were collected on mean TFAs
concentration at the same level. Other snacks in this study, when consumed on regular basis could
add up more TFAs in our bodies thereby increasing the risks for DR-NCDs, which have become
more prominent in the country. Tanzania should also join efforts to eliminate industrially produced
TFAs by implementing legislative /regulatory actions to prohibit and/or limit their use in foods.
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Keywords
Trans fatty acids, Partially hydrogenated oils, Cardiovascular disease, Morogoro