A high intake of trans fats could increase colon cancer risk. People who eat the most trans fatty acids are also more likely to have precancerous growths or polyps in their colons.

Trans fats are vegetable oils processed to increase their shelf-life. They are found in many baked goods, crackers, snacks and other packaged foods. Eating them increases levels of "bad" LDL-cholesterol and heart disease risk.

Researchers looked at more than 600 people who had colonoscopies. They were interviewed about their diet, physical activity and other health issues. People in the top 25 percent for trans-fatty acid consumption were 86 percent more likely to have colon polyps than those in the bottom quarter.