cottonseed oil
Also known as: Cottonseed oil, CSO
Overview
Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant (Gossypium spp.). It is primarily composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly linoleic acid, with smaller amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and saturated fats. Commonly used in cooking and food processing, it is also investigated as a dietary fat supplement for its potential effects on blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular health. Research indicates that cottonseed oil, due to its high PUFA content, may positively influence cholesterol levels. While the research base is emerging and limited to a few randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, the existing high-quality studies suggest its potential as a beneficial dietary fat, especially for individuals with dyslipidemia.
Benefits
Cottonseed oil consumption has been associated with significant improvements in fasting and postprandial blood lipid profiles in adults with hypercholesterolemia or dyslipidemia. Studies have shown significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non–HDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B compared to olive oil. For instance, LDL-C was reduced by approximately 12.16% with cottonseed oil versus 3.54% with olive oil after 56 days. Fasting triglycerides (TG) and LDL-C were also about 8.8% lower after just 5 days of cottonseed oil consumption compared to olive oil. Additionally, postprandial glycemia and blood lipid responses improved with cottonseed oil but not olive oil in hypercholesterolemic adults over 8 weeks. These lipid improvements, ranging from 7-12% reductions in LDL-C and TC, are considered clinically relevant for cardiovascular risk reduction. The benefits have been observed in adults with hypercholesterolemia or dyslipidemia, with effects seen as early as 5 days and sustained over 8 weeks.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for cottonseed oil's effects on blood lipids is attributed to its high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, which modulates lipid metabolism. These PUFAs likely influence cholesterol synthesis and clearance pathways within the body. By interacting with hepatic lipid metabolism, cottonseed oil appears to improve the processing and removal of fats from the bloodstream. Furthermore, some evidence suggests that cottonseed oil may differentially affect angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTL-3, -4, -8), which are involved in regulating lipoprotein lipase activity and overall lipid clearance. As a dietary fat, it is absorbed via standard intestinal lipid absorption pathways, with bioavailability typical of other dietary fats.
Side effects
Cottonseed oil is generally regarded as safe for consumption in typical dietary amounts. The reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have not reported any significant adverse effects associated with its consumption. There are no documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects in the available literature. Furthermore, no specific drug interactions or contraindications have been noted in the studies. While research has focused on adults with dyslipidemia, safety in other populations, such as pregnant women or children, has not been extensively studied. Overall, when incorporated into the diet within typical amounts, cottonseed oil appears to have a favorable safety profile.
Dosage
In research studies demonstrating benefits, cottonseed oil typically provided approximately 30% of the daily energy intake from fat, which constituted about 60% of the fat in provided meals. This dosage range has shown significant lipid-lowering effects. There is no explicitly defined maximum safe dose, but typical dietary use is considered safe. For optimal effects, consistent daily consumption over several weeks is recommended, as benefits have been observed as early as 5 days and sustained over 8 weeks. Cottonseed oil is used as a cooking oil or a direct dietary fat source. Its absorption factors are consistent with standard fat digestion and absorption, and no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is cottonseed oil better than olive oil for cholesterol?
Limited evidence suggests cottonseed oil may improve LDL-C and total cholesterol more than olive oil in hypercholesterolemic adults, based on several studies.
Is cottonseed oil safe for daily use?
Yes, within typical dietary amounts, cottonseed oil is generally considered safe for daily consumption, with no significant safety concerns reported in studies.
How long does it take to see benefits from cottonseed oil?
Lipid improvements from cottonseed oil consumption have been observed as early as 5 days, with benefits sustained over an 8-week period in studies.
Does cottonseed oil affect blood sugar?
Some evidence suggests that cottonseed oil may improve postprandial glycemia (blood sugar levels after meals) in hypercholesterolemic adults.
Is cottonseed oil suitable for weight management?
There is no clear evidence to suggest that cottonseed oil is specifically suitable for weight management. One study indicated olive oil improved energy expenditure more than cottonseed oil.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9449680/ – This randomized controlled trial by Prater et al. (2022) investigated the effects of cottonseed oil versus olive oil enriched diets in 43 hypercholesterolemic adults over 8 weeks. The study found that the cottonseed oil diet significantly improved fasting and postprandial blood lipids and postprandial glycemia, whereas the olive oil diet did not show similar improvements, highlighting the distinct metabolic effects of cottonseed oil.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jhn.13085 – This secondary analysis by Scheurell et al. (2022) from an RCT compared metabolic responses in adults with dyslipidemia consuming cottonseed oil versus olive oil for 8 weeks. The study found that olive oil improved energy expenditure after high saturated fat meals, a benefit not observed with cottonseed oil. No significant adverse effects were reported for either oil.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37695308/ – This systematic review by Hart et al. (2024) synthesized findings from two randomized controlled trials (n=58) comparing cottonseed oil to olive oil on lipid profiles. The review concluded that cottonseed oil significantly reduced fasting triglycerides and LDL-C by approximately 8.8% after 5 days and further lowered total cholesterol, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and apolipoprotein B after 56 days compared to olive oil. It also noted differential effects on ANGPTL proteins, suggesting distinct mechanisms of action.
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/82/8/1079/7268824 – This is another citation for the systematic review by Hart et al. (2024), which provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of cottonseed oil versus olive oil on blood lipids. The review highlights that despite the limited number of trials, the studies had high-quality methodology, supporting the conclusion that cottonseed oil can lead to clinically relevant improvements in lipid profiles, including reductions in LDL-C and total cholesterol.
