Phony Fats
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Ask the Diva: Phony Fats
Q. I was listening to your podcast #69 on trans fats. I’ve done a good job of eliminating hydrogenated oils and trans fats from my diet, but your mention of interesterified fats sent me scrambling to re-read some labels. The container of Smart Balance Light spread that I have in my refrigerator has an ingredient called “sorbitan ester of fatty acids.” Is this another name for interesterified fats?
Answer. Yup. Sorbitan esters of fatty acids are used as elumsifiers and stabilizers. They’re not exactly the same thing as the interesterified fats used to replace hydrogenated oils, but the chemical processes are similar and I think the same concerns would apply to both. Personally, I prefer my fats unmodified by food science!
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.