Does Trans Fat Harm Memory Over Time?

There's no doubt that saturated fat can increase the risk of weight gain. But did you know that it can also be bad for your memory?

Recent findings presented at the 2014 American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions revealed that partially hydrogenated oil-trans fats can potentially lead to cognitive issues if used regularly over long periods of time. 

"Trans-fats were most strongly linked to worse memory, in young and middle-aged men, during their working and career-building years. 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," said Beatrice A Golomb professor of medicine at University of California, San Diego, in American Heart Association blog.

For the study, researchers were required to recall words that they were exposed to, as well as a eating-habit questionnaire in which data on trans-fat consumption was collected.

Findings showed that consumption of every additional gram of trans-fat was associated with o.76 fewer words correctly recalled.

The worst performers in the group were those who consumed the highest amount of trans-fats, recalled 11 fewer words-with 86 words correctly recollected in the study, overall. 

"Foods have different effects on oxidative stress and cell energy. In a previous study, we found chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and positively impacts cell energy, is linked to better word memory in young to middle-aged adults. In this study, we looked at whether trans fats, which are prooxidant and linked adversely to cell energy, might show the opposite effect. And they did," Golomb said.

Though previous studies have shown that trans fat consumption in the United States has gone down, levels are still not where they should be. Researchers advise consumers to cautiously read the nutrition labels. You may not know exactly what you're getting.