Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil
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 Soybean Oil

ingredientSeed Oils

Total Sources: 43

Verified Claims: 41

Scientific Sources: 25

Also known as: PHSO

Summary

Partially hydrogenated soybean oil (PHSO) is a processed form of soybean oil where hydrogen atoms are added to the oil molecules to saturate some of the carbon-carbon double bonds. This process increases the oil's stability and gives it a semi-solid consistency at room temperature, making it useful in various food applications [42], [30]. However, PHSO has been associated with negative health outcomes due to the formation of trans fats during hydrogenation [1], [8].

What it is

Partially hydrogenated soybean oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from soybeans that has undergone a hydrogenation process. This process involves adding hydrogen atoms to the oil to change its physical properties, typically to create a semi-solid or solid fat [42].

Common uses

  • Margarine [1]

  • Shortening [1]

  • Bread, buns, and rolls [1]

  • Peanut butter [1]

  • Canned tuna [1]

  • Fried foods [38]

Public Perception

Anxiety level

High. The ingredient is linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease, and has been effectively banned by the FDA [1], [17].

Cultural claims

  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed that seed oils, including soybean oil, are 'poisoning Americans' and contributing to the obesity epidemic [26], [29].

  • Some online communities refer to soybean and other seed oils as the 'hateful eight' [27], [29].

Source sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding partially hydrogenated soybean oil has shifted from acceptance and promotion to concern and avoidance. Initially, it was seen as a cheap and versatile alternative to animal fats [28], [30]. However, due to health concerns, there's a strong push to eliminate it from the food supply [1], [8].

History

Timeline

1940

Hydrogenation use increased due to the shortage of animal fats during World War II [30].

1962

Soy oil captured more than 50% of the U.S. cooking and salad oil market [30].

1980

Health activists promoted oils containing trans fats as a healthier alternative to saturated fats [28].

2015

The FDA determined that partially hydrogenated oils are no longer generally recognized as safe (GRAS) [17].

2018

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a plan to eliminate trans fat from the global food supply [32].

2023

FDA completes final administrative actions to revoke use of partially hydrogenated oils in foods [17].

Origin

Crisco, made from partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil, was introduced as a vegetable alternative to animal fats like lard [28].

First appeared: 1911

Science

Key findings

  • PHSOs contain trans fatty acids, which have adverse effects on lipid profiles, raising LDL and triglyceride levels while reducing HDL levels [8].

  • Trans fats from PHSOs have been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease (CHD) death [1], [8].

  • Replacing PHVO with alternative fats and oils can lead to changes in fatty acid intakes, plasma lipids, and cardiovascular disease risk [12], [13].

Studies

Substitution of vegetable oil for a partially-hydrogenated fat favorably alters cardiovascular disease risk factors in moderately hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women

Substituting vegetable oil for partially hydrogenated fat favorably alters cardiovascular disease risk factors [6].

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

Replacing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with saturated or unsaturated fats reduces the total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and the apolipoprotein (Apo)-B/ApoAI ratio [13].

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

Palm and partially hydrogenated soybean oils adversely alter lipoprotein profiles compared with soybean and canola oils in moderately hyperlipidemic subjects [15].

A comprehensive toxicological analysis of trans-fatty acids (TFAs) reveals a pro-apoptotic action specific to industrial TFAs counteracted by polyunsaturated FAs

Industrial TFAs, but not ruminant TFAs, had a strong pro-apoptotic effect, which could be suppressed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) [14].

Safety status

Considered unsafe due to the presence of trans fats, which increase the risk of coronary heart disease [1], [8]. The FDA has revoked the GRAS status of PHOs [1].

Nuance

While trans fats are generally considered harmful, some occur naturally in meat and dairy products. The FDA's actions primarily target artificial trans fats from PHOs [17].

Alternatives

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat that is beneficial in reducing serum total cholesterol and LDL concentrations [5].

Virgin Olive Oil

Virgin olive oil is a monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat that is beneficial in reducing serum total cholesterol and LDL concentrations [5].

Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil is a monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat that is beneficial in reducing serum total cholesterol and LDL concentrations [5].

Palm Oil

Palm oil can serve as a healthy replacement and alternative to partially hydrogenated oils in food applications [33].

Avoidance tips

  • Read food labels carefully to identify and avoid products containing partially hydrogenated oils [38].

  • Choose products with lower amounts of saturated fat [24].

  • Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible [9].

References

1.

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