Trans-Fatty Acids
unsaturated fatty acids that have a "z" shape caused by unsaturated bonds being on alternate sides of the molecule. Naturally formed unsaturated fatty acids are normally in the "cis" configuration, with the unsaturated bonds on the same side of the carbon chain. The trans- configuration is typically produced by the partial hydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids which is done to increase shelf life, heat stability, and thickness.