Last week's announcement by the Food and Drug Administration paves the way for the eventual elimination of artificial trans fats ("FDA to take all trans fats off the table," Nov. 8). The importance of this can't be understated: It's a great victory for the health of the American public.
As a cardiologist, I see many patients whose high cholesterol levels put them at grave risk for a heart attack or stroke or may have already caused a serious cardiac event. Artificial trans fat, unlike other fats, raises LDL ("the bad") cholesterol and lowers HDL ("the good") cholesterol. Controlling cholesterol is one of the steps the American Heart Association has identified in getting on the road to ideal heart health. Good advice, considering heart disease is the No. 1 killer of New Yorkers.
In New York, we are fortunate that some communities, including Albany County, eliminated hidden trans fat in restaurants. However, local laws don't apply to meals or baked goods in grocery stores. In other communities, restaurants can still use artificial trans fat even though healthier oils are available. The announcement by the FDA should close these loopholes.
I hope the FDA will also clarify the amount of trans fat in foods marked trans fat-free. Currently, if there are fewer than 0.5 grams of trans fat in a product, manufacturers can list zero grams on the Nutrition Facts Panel.
Since many food producers have already stopped using trans fats, this easy transition for New Yorkers will improve cardiovascular health.
Mandeep S. Sidhu, MD
Assistant professor of Medicine, Albany Medical College
Division of Cardiology, Albany Medical Center