Increased Linoleic Acid Linked to Reduced Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes

Recent research has indicated that elevated levels of linoleic acid in the bloodstream are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This omega-6 fatty acid, predominantly found in vegetable oils such as soybean and corn oil, as well as various plant-based foods, challenges the prevailing narrative that seed oils could be detrimental to cardiometabolic health.

Linoleic acid is the most consumed omega-6 fatty acid in contemporary diets. Increased scrutiny has been directed toward seed oils, with some critics asserting that these oils may exacerbate inflammation and elevate the risk of cardiovascular issues. However, a study involving nearly 1,900 participants found that higher blood plasma levels of linoleic acid correlated with lower biomarkers indicative of cardiometabolic risk, including inflammatory markers.

These findings were presented at the annual NUTRITION 2025 conference, hosted by the American Society for Nutrition. The research aligns with previous observational studies demonstrating that a higher intake of linoleic acid is linked to reduced risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular incidents, such as strokes and heart attacks.

Unlike earlier studies that relied on dietary records or food frequency questionnaires, this investigation utilized objective biomarkers to gauge linoleic acid intake. The researchers assessed a variety of inflammation markers and glucose metabolism indicators, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between linoleic acid and cardiometabolic health.

The study analyzed data from 1,894 individuals in an observational cohort focused on COVID-19. It revealed that participants with elevated plasma linoleic acid levels exhibited lower glucose and insulin levels, alongside a reduced homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Furthermore, these individuals had diminished levels of inflammatory biomarkers, which included C-reactive protein, glycoprotein acetyls, and serum amyloid A.

Researchers noted a consistent trend across various biomarkers, with those showing higher linoleic acid levels in their blood generally possessing more favorable risk profiles for heart disease and diabetes. The study advocates for further intervention research to explore whether increasing linoleic acid intake can enhance cardiometabolic risk factors and ultimately reduce the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and type 2 diabetes.

Future research plans include examining how different oils with varying fatty acid compositions affect cardiometabolic risk factors.