Concerns about the health effects of industrially produced seed oils are without scientific foundation: a scoping narrative review of the clinical and observational evidence

To reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, worldwide dietary guidelines emphasize limiting saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake, and replacing SFAs with unsaturated fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), when exceeding recommendations. Nevertheless, a largely social media-driven controversy challenging the healthfulness of oils high in PUFA, namely seed oils, a subset of vegetable oils, and diets high in linoleic acid (LA) has emerged. To aid health professionals in their understanding of this controversy, we conducted an extensive review of the human literature to determine the level of support for claims that seed oils and diets high in LA exert adverse health effects, with a focus on CVD. It is concluded that data overwhelmingly support the safety and health benefits of seed oils and LA, not only with respect to CVD, but possibly other chronic diseases as well. Conversely, claims about harm, such as LA increases inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore raises CVD risk, were found to be without foundation. Concerns that the manufacture of seed oils leads to the creation of harmful substances, were also found to lack support. Overall, the evidence is consistent with historical dietary recommendations from established health agencies and organizations, which recommend emphasizing PUFA over SFA.