Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed and Soybean Oils
Summary
What it is
Common uses
Public Perception
Anxiety level
Cultural claims
Source sentiment
History
Timeline
Origin
Science
Key findings
Studies
Safety status
Nuance
Alternatives
Swaps
Avoidance tips
References

Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago

Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed and Soybean Oils

ingredientSeed Oils

Total Sources: 44

Verified Claims: 42

Scientific Sources: 26

Summary

Partially hydrogenated cottonseed and soybean oils are processed fats created through the partial hydrogenation of cottonseed and/or soybean oil. This process increases the oil's stability and solidifies it, making it suitable for various food applications [31]. However, they have been largely phased out due to health concerns [1], [16].

What it is

These oils are created when hydrogen is added to liquid cottonseed and/or soybean oil to change its consistency and extend shelf life. The partial hydrogenation process results in the formation of trans fats [8], [31], [43].

Common uses

  • Margarine [1], [16]

  • Shortening [1], [16]

  • Fried foods (e.g., french fries, doughnuts) [26]

  • Baked goods (e.g., cakes, cookies, pies, bread, buns, and rolls) [1], [16], [26]

  • Nondairy coffee creamer [26]

  • Packaged foods (e.g., microwave popcorn, frozen pizza) [26]

Public Perception

Anxiety level

High. The strong warnings against these oils and their links to serious health conditions can cause considerable anxiety [1], [26].

Cultural claims

  • Some health professionals and influencers claim that seed oils, including cottonseed and soybean oils, are "poisoning Americans" and contributing to the obesity epidemic [27], [29], [30].

  • There are claims that seed oils cause body-wide inflammation and are associated with serious illnesses [30].

Source sentiment

The overall sentiment regarding partially hydrogenated cottonseed and soybean oils is negative due to their association with adverse health effects, particularly increased risk of heart disease. This has led to regulations and efforts to remove them from the food supply [1], [16].

History

Timeline

1869

Margarine is invented in France to alleviate butter shortages [32].

1871

The first margarine factories begin production in Denmark and The Netherlands [32].

1901

Development of hydrogenation frees shortening from dependence on animal stearin [32].

1906

The world’s first large-scale hydrogenation plant begins operations in England [32].

1909

Procter & Gamble acquired the rights to the Normann/Crosfield process on hydrogenation [32].

1911

Crisco, the world’s first shortening made using hydrogenation, is introduced by Procter & Gamble Co [32].

2015

FDA determines that PHOs are no longer Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) [16], [18].

2018

WHO launches REPLACE campaign to eliminate industrially-produced trans fat globally by 2023 [34], [35].

2023

FDA completes final administrative actions on PHOs in foods, with a final effective date of December 22, 2023 [16].

Origin

The original purpose of hydrogenation was to improve the flavor stability and keeping qualities of oils, and to convert liquid oils into semi-solid fats resembling butter or lard [31].

First appeared: 1911

Science

Key findings

  • Partially hydrogenated oils are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease [1], [18].

  • Replacing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with other fats and oils can reduce cardiovascular risk factors [7].

  • Consumption of oxidized and partially hydrogenated oils can induce trans-fatty acid incorporation in the heart and dyslipidemia in rats [14].

  • Palm and partially hydrogenated soybean oils adversely alter lipoprotein profiles compared with soybean and canola oils in moderately hyperlipidemic subjects [11].

Studies

Quantitative effects on cardiovascular risk factors and coronary heart disease risk of replacing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with other fats and oils [Source 7]

Replacing trans-fatty acids with saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, or polyunsaturated fatty acids decreases the total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio [7].

Palm and partially hydrogenated soybean oils adversely alter lipoprotein profiles compared with soybean and canola oils in moderately hyperlipidemic subjects [Source 11]

Partially hydrogenated soybean oils have an unfavorable effect on cardiovascular disease risk [11].

Consumption of Oxidized and Partially Hydrogenated Oils Differentially Induces Trans-Fatty Acids Incorporation in Rats' Heart and Dyslipidemia [Source 14]

High-fat diets containing oxidized soybean oil and margarine (containing TFAs) significantly increased triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to control rats [14].

Safety status

Considered unsafe due to the presence of trans fats, which increase the risk of coronary heart disease [1], [18], [26].

Nuance

While the FDA has revoked the GRAS status of PHOs and implemented measures to remove them from the food supply, trans fats occur naturally in meat and dairy products and are present at very low levels in other edible oils [16].

Alternatives

Olive Oil

Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels [21], [22], [36].

Soybean Oil (non-hydrogenated)

Non-hydrogenated soybean oil is a source of polyunsaturated fats, which are considered healthier than trans fats [11], [22].

Canola Oil

Canola oil is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fats, making it a better alternative to partially hydrogenated oils [11], [22].

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a source of monounsaturated fats [27].

Avoidance tips

  • Read food labels carefully to identify and avoid products containing "partially hydrogenated oil" [26].

  • Choose fresh, whole foods over processed and packaged items whenever possible [30].

  • Opt for products that use alternative oils known to be healthier, such as olive oil, canola oil, or non-hydrogenated soybean oil [21], [22].

References

1.

https://www.fda.gov/media/176356/download