Does soybean oil cause changes in the brain?

Comparison of oxytocin hormone in the hypothalamus of mice fed three different diets. The image on the far right shows very little oxytocin in mice fed a soybean oil diet. (UCR)

Article Highlights

New UC Riverside research shows soybean oil not only leads to obesity and diabetes, but could also affect neurological conditions like autism, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and depression
Used for fast food frying, added to packaged foods, and fed to livestock, soybean oil is by far the most widely produced and consumed edible oil in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In all likelihood, it is not healthy for humans
It certainly is not good for mice
Specifically, the scientists found pronounced effects of the oil on the hypothalamus, where a number of critical processes take place
“The hypothalamus regulates body weight via your metabolism, maintains body temperature, is critical for reproduction and physical growth as well as your response to stress,” said Margarita Curras-Collazo, a UCR associate professor of neuroscience and lead author on the study
They believe this discovery could have ramifications not just for energy metabolism, but also for proper brain function and diseases such as autism or Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to note there is no proof the oil causes these diseases
Additionally, the team notes the findings only apply to soybean oil — not to other soy products or to other vegetable oils
“Do not throw out your tofu, soymilk, edamame, or soy sauce,” said Frances Sladek, a UCR toxicologist and professor of cell biology. “Many soy products only contain small amounts of the oil, and large amounts of healthful compounds such as essential fatty acids and proteins.”
A caveat for readers concerned about their most recent meal is that this study was conducted on mice, and mouse studies do not always translate to the same results in humans
One additional note on this study — the research team has not yet isolated which chemicals in the oil are responsible for the changes they found in the hypothalamus. But they have ruled out two candidates. It is not linoleic acid, since the modified oil also produced genetic disruptions; nor is it stigmasterol, a cholesterol-like chemical found naturally in soybean oil
Identifying the compounds responsible for the negative effects is an important area for the team’s future research
“If there’s one message I want people to take away, it’s this: reduce consumption of soybean oil,” Deol said about the most recent study

The Complete Story: America’s most widely consumed oil causes genetic changes in the brain

University of California Riverside

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Does soybean oil cause changes in the brain?

University of California Riverside

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