Higher blood levels of Linoleic Acid levels linked to lower heart disease and diabetes risk

Findings challenge claims that seed oils raise inflammation and cardiometabolic risk

A new study has found that higher levels of linoleic acid in the blood are associated with more favourable markers of cardiometabolic health, including lower inflammation and insulin resistance—findings that run counter to claims suggesting seed oils are harmful to health.

Linoleic acid is the predominant omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid in the human diet and is found in high concentrations in vegetable oils, particularly seed oils such as soybean and maize (corn) oil, as well as in various plant-based foods.

“These results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that linoleic acid may have protective effects against cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes,” said Dr Kevin C. Maki, adjunct professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and chief scientist at Midwest Biomedical Research.

“Despite popular concerns that seed oils promote inflammation, our analysis of nearly 1,900 individuals showed that higher circulating levels of linoleic acid were associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers and other cardiometabolic risk indicators.”

Unlike previous studies that relied on dietary recall or food frequency questionnaires, this investigation used objective biomarkers to quantify linoleic acid intake. The researchers carried out a cross-sectional analysis of data from 1,894 participants enrolled in an observational cohort originally established to study COVID-19.

The results revealed that individuals with higher blood plasma levels of linoleic acid tended to have lower concentrations of glucose and insulin, as well as lower values for HOMA-IR – homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance – a key indicator of insulin sensitivity. In addition, participants exhibited reduced levels of inflammatory markers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glycoprotein acetyls, and serum amyloid A.

“We observed consistent inverse relationships across a range of markers,” said Dr Maki. “People with higher linoleic acid levels had a more favourable overall risk profile for cardiometabolic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.”

The findings are in line with previous observational studies linking higher dietary intake of linoleic acid with reduced incidence of cardiovascular events and metabolic disease, further reinforcing its potential role in supporting long-term health.