Soybean Oil

What this is

Soybean oil is a widely used vegetable oil in U.S. fast food, often for frying items like french fries and chicken. It is high in polyunsaturated fats (especially omega-6 linoleic acid) and was long promoted as a “heart-healthy” alternative to butter or lard. However, one form – partially hydrogenated soybean oil – was a major source of harmful trans fat, now phased out due to heart disease risks. Emerging research also suggests potential downsides to excessive soybean oil consumption. In mouse studies, diets very high in soybean oil led to obesity and diabetes, raising questions about its metabolic impacts. While soybean oil remains common and is not banned, experts advise moderation and balancing it with other oils for a healthier diet.

Critical Endpoints

The key endpoints experts review in safety assessments (critical endpoints). This is not a prediction of harm.