Estimated Lipid/lipoprotein Responses to Dietary Patterns Containing Cottonseed Oil

Upon completion, participants will be able to explain the potential effects of incorporating cottonseed oil into a healthy diet on lipids and lipoproteins. Cottonseed oil (CSO) is higher in PUFA and SFA than many commonly consumed liquid plant oils. The effect of CSO on lipids/lipoproteins has not been well investigated in clinical trials. We estimated the lipid/lipoprotein effects of incorporating CSO into healthy dietary patterns to inform future research and recommendations. The Katan equation, a regression equation based on data from clinical trials, was used to predict lipid/lipoprotein changes when incorporating CSO into a U.S.-Style Healthy Eating Pattern (HEP). The HEP was based on the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee food pattern models including the nutrient profile estimates for the oil component (SFA 14%; MUFA 34%; PUFA 48%). CSO (SFA 26%; MUFA 18%; PUFA 52%) was incorporated into the HEP at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the total oil allowance (i.e., 27g/2000 kcal). Additionally, we estimated the lipid/lipoprotein effects of a HEP with CSO compared to average American intake based on NHANES data (2018-prepandemic). Compared to average American intake, a HEP with 100% of the oil allowance as CSO would be expected to lower TC (-8.1 mg/dL) and LDL-C (-7.3 mg/dL), with minimal reduction in HDL-C (-1.1 mg/dL). Compared to intake of a HEP, incorporating 25% to 100% of the total oil allowance as CSO was predicted to increase TC and LDL-C by 0.6 to 2.4 mg/dL (smallest and largest amount of CSO incorporated, respectively). Our results suggest that relatively small amounts of CSO can be incorporated into a healthy dietary pattern without significant effects on lipids/lipoproteins.