Dietary Impact of Seed Oils: Possible Decrease in Diabetes and Heart Disease Risk due to Omega-6 Fatty Acids
The well-being of a person's cardiovascular and metabolic systems is known as their cardiometabolic health. A healthy heart and efficient blood flow are essential for a solid cardiovascular system, while a robust metabolic system manages blood sugar levels effectively.
Neglecting good cardiometabolic health can lead to a range of health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.," says Dr. Kevin C. Maki, a renowned scientist and adjunct professor in the School of Public Health-Bloomington at Indiana University. "Type 2 diabetes is prevalent - about 10% of adults suffer from it - and it's a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as well as other problems like kidney failure."
Dr. Maki isn't one to underestimate the importance of lifestyle factors on cardiometabolic health. Diet, physical activity, smoking, and stress management, among other factors, play a significant role in the development of these disorders.
In two recently presented studies at the American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting, NUTRITION 2025, Dr. Maki and his team have discovered that consuming a diet high in the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid may aid in supporting cardiometabolic health and lower a person's risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Understanding Linoleic Acid
These studies examine the connection between linoleic acid and cardiometabolic risk factors by analyzing the levels of the fatty acid found in the blood serum of 1,894 adult participants. The average age of the participants was 50, their average body mass index (BMI) was 29, and more than half of them were female and non-Hispanic White.
Linoleic acid is primarily found in vegetable oils commonly used in cooking and various food products. However, there has been a contentious debate regarding seed oils such as corn oil and soybean oil in recent years. Some have claimed that these oils, which are rich in linoleic acid, can contribute to inflammation.
"The level of linoleic acid in the blood depends on the amount consumed in the diet," reveals Dr. Maki. "We were curious about the connection between blood levels of linoleic acid and cardiometabolic risk factors."
Linoleic Acid and Inflammation
Upon further analysis, Dr. Maki's team discovered that participants with higher concentrations of linoleic acid in their blood serum had lower levels of the inflammation biomarkers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and glycoprotein acetyls (GPAs). Chronic inflammation has been recognized as a potential risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases.
"Our findings don't support the idea that higher linoleic acid intake leads to more inflammation," Dr. Maki explains. "In fact, they suggest the opposite, as study participants with higher linoleic acid had lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers."
Some caution is necessary, however, as their study does not prove a cause and effect link between linoleic acid and inflammation.
Cardiometabolic Health and Linoleic Acid
In addition to the lower inflammation results, researchers also found that the same participants with more linoleic acid in their serum experienced more favorable levels of BMI and biomarkers of glucose homeostasis. This suggests that higher levels of linoleic acid in the blood may support cardiometabolic health.
It's important to note that these results should be interpreted with caution, as they only show associations and not conclusive evidence. Further research is needed to confirm these results and determine whether increasing linoleic acid intake can directly influence cardiometabolic risk factors.
In summary, the data suggests a connection between linoleic acid, a common omega-6 fatty acid found in seed oils and plant-based foods, and lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, more research is required to fully understand the mechanisms and lasting effects of linoleic acid on cardiometabolic health. In the meantime, it might be worth considering how much seed oils and linoleic acid are in your daily diet.
- Dr. Maki's studies reveal that consuming a diet high in the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid may aid in supporting cardiometabolic health, lowering a person's risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Linoleic acid, primarily found in vegetable oils and food products, was found to have a connection with lower levels of inflammation biomarkers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and glycoprotein acetyls (GPAs).
- In addition to the lower inflammation results, researchers found that the participants with more linoleic acid in their serum experienced more favorable levels of BMI and biomarkers of glucose homeostasis.
- It's important to note that these results only show associations, and further research is needed to confirm whether increasing linoleic acid intake can directly influence cardiometabolic risk factors.
- The data suggests a connection between linoleic acid, a common omega-6 fatty acid found in seed oils and plant-based foods, and lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In the meantime, it might be worth considering how much seed oils and linoleic acid are in your daily diet.
