Does Soybean Oil Cause Inflammation? An Evidence-Based Look

January 1, 2026 •

2 min read

According to a 2021 review in the journal Nutrition, clinical evidence indicates that soybean oil does not affect inflammatory biomarkers and does not increase oxidative stress. Despite this, myths persist regarding whether soybean oil causes inflammation, with concerns often centering on its omega-6 fatty acid content.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at the science of soybean oil and inflammation, examining fatty acid composition, omega-6 vs. omega-3 balance, and reviewing clinical studies. It addresses common misconceptions while exploring how overall dietary patterns play a more significant role in health.

Key Points

No Link in Humans: Clinical studies in humans consistently show that soybean oil, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, does not increase inflammatory biomarkers.
Omega-6 Misinformation: The fear that omega-6 fatty acids in soybean oil cause inflammation is largely a myth, as the body uses them for multiple functions and overall dietary balance is more important.
Heart-Healthy Replacement: Replacing saturated fats with soybean oil is shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, suggesting it is a heart-healthy choice.
Overall Diet Matters: Factors like excessive intake of saturated fat and refined sugars, along with overall dietary patterns, play a far more significant role in chronic inflammation than moderate soybean oil consumption.
Animal Studies vs. Human Health: Extreme animal studies that used highly concentrated, oxidized oil do not represent real-world human dietary habits and should not be used to draw conclusions about its inflammatory effects.

Understanding the Soybean Oil Controversy

The debate surrounding soybean oil and inflammation primarily arises from its polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, particularly omega-6 linoleic acid. While traditionally omega-6s were thought to be pro-inflammatory and omega-3s anti-inflammatory, this view has evolved, and the scientific consensus no longer rigidly focuses on the ratio but rather the adequate intake of both essential fatty acids.

The Role of Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fats are essential nutrients. Soybean oil is rich in linoleic acid (omega-6), which the body converts into various signaling molecules, some pro-inflammatory and some anti-inflammatory. It also provides alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3. Despite concerns about omega-6s, clinical reviews have not linked soybean oil consumption to increased inflammatory markers in humans.

Scientific Evidence on Inflammation and Soybean Oil

Contrary to popular myth, recent scientific findings suggest soybean oil does not induce systemic inflammation, and may even be beneficial when replacing unhealthy fats.

Meta-Analyses and Clinical Trials:

2021 Meta-Analysis: This review found soybean oil did not impact inflammatory biomarkers and, when used in place of saturated fats, improved cholesterol and reduced coronary heart disease risk.
2023 Meta-Analysis: Focused on soy protein, this study observed a reduction in the inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha with supplementation.
Cardiovascular Health: Studies consistently show soybean oil replacing saturated fats improves cholesterol and reduces heart disease risk, implying it's not promoting harmful inflammation.

Factors Influencing Inflammation Beyond Soybean Oil

Chronic inflammation is more influenced by overall dietary patterns than by moderate soybean oil intake. Diets high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and saturated fats are known to promote inflammation. While soybean oil can oxidize, especially at high heat or when reused, consuming it as part of a balanced diet doesn't typically increase oxidative stress markers in the body. Extreme animal studies using very high-fat diets with soybean oil are not representative of typical human consumption.

Soybean Oil vs. Other Common Cooking Oils

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Conclusion

Scientific evidence indicates that soybean oil, consumed as part of a balanced diet, does not cause inflammation and is considered a heart-healthy oil, particularly when replacing saturated fats. Concerns about its omega-6 content are largely outdated. Focusing on overall healthy eating patterns, rather than demonizing oils like soybean oil based on misinformation, is key for managing inflammation and promoting health.

Visit Soy Connection for more information on the health properties of soybean oil

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a common misconception. While soybean oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, clinical evidence shows that it does not increase inflammatory markers in humans. The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is less important than total healthy fat intake.

Excessively heated or reused oils, including soybean oil, can undergo oxidation which may promote inflammation. It is best to avoid reusing cooking oils and to use fresh oil for frying to minimize this effect. However, moderate consumption of properly stored oil does not present this issue.

Yes. Numerous studies have found that replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats from sources like soybean oil can effectively lower both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for heart health.

Soybean oil is derived from soybeans, but studies may examine the effects of whole soy foods (like edamame or tofu) versus the oil itself. Studies on whole soy foods, which contain isoflavones and other compounds, also frequently report anti-inflammatory effects.

No. Leading health organizations and dietary guidelines, such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the World Health Organization, recommend replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats found in oils like soybean and canola.

Animal studies using high-fat diets with extremely high levels of soybean oil have shown weight gain and potential inflammatory responses. However, this is not representative of normal human dietary intake. In balanced human diets, soybean oil does not appear to cause weight-related inflammation.

The overall dietary pattern is far more important than any single food or oil. A diet high in processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats is most strongly linked to chronic inflammation, regardless of the cooking oil used.