To investigate how trans fat consumption might affect fertility, researchers analyzed data available from 18,555 healthy women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study between 1991 and 1999. All were married and trying to get pregnant. It was reported that for every 2 percent increase in the amount of calories a woman got from trans fats instead of carbohydrates, her risk of infertility increased by 73 percent.
"Even though this was an observational study, a cause and affect relationship between the consumption of trans fat and fertility has been established because the increase in risk is significantly more than 50 percent."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect because an observational study can suggest associations but cannot definitively establish cause and effect relationships. The significant increase in risk indicates a strong association but does not prove causality.

To Investigate How Trans Fat Consumption Might Affect Fertility, Researchers