New publications
Trans-isomeric fatty acids increase irritability and aggression
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists from the USA have demonstrated that food containing large amounts of trans fatty acids increases irritability and aggression.
A team of scientists led by Professor Beatrice Golomb from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine conducted a study involving about 1,000 men and women. The doctors were interested in how many trans fatty acid isomers the participants consumed. And with the help of special tests, they identified the behavioral characteristics of people, including aggressiveness and a tendency to conflict. The subjects also had to assess their own irritability and intolerance on a special scale. Personality traits were correlated with gender, age, education level, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
After evaluating all the parameters, it turned out that a large amount of trans fatty acids in the diet increases people's aggressiveness. Moreover, eating unhealthy food is more associated with irritability and aggression than other known risk factors for such behavior. For example, drinking alcohol and smoking.
Trans fatty acids are found in many products. These are mainly industrial products, crackers, cookies, cakes, fried foods, margarine. Trans fatty acids are formed as a result of hydrogenation. In this case, unsaturated fats turn into solid fats at room temperature. Trans fatty acids are extremely harmful to health. Their consumption is associated with an increase in the level of harmful cholesterol, blood lipids, all kinds of metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for heart disease, obesity and diabetes. In addition, under the influence of trans fats, oxidation and inflammation processes are triggered in the body. But these substances are of no use.
It is worth noting that this is the first work of its kind. Therefore, other studies on this topic are required. However, if the authors' conclusions are confirmed, it is necessary to recommend eliminating trans fats from the diet in schools and prisons. That is, where increased aggressiveness can lead to dangerous consequences for others.