Glossary · Food categories

Trans fat

Industrial fat made by hydrogenating vegetable oil; raises LDL cholesterol and lowers HDL. Banned in US food production since 2018 but trace amounts remain in some imported or older packaged foods. There is no safe level for children.

Related terms

Whole food
Processed food
Ultra-processed food (UPF)
Added sugar
Free sugar
Sodium (children)

Miriel uses this concept across food scans, meal plans, and AI Coach responses where it is relevant to a child's profile. For the underlying clinical and scientific basis, see the research page.