Though studies suggest that moderate consumption of seed oils is safe and even beneficial to health, misconceptions and gaps still exist between healthcare professionals and their patients.  

In fact, results from a 2024 national survey, sponsored by the United Soybean Board, of 1,000 American healthcare professionals (HCPs) indicate a notable knowledge gap regarding seed oils among healthcare professionals and consumers. Specifically, over half (55%) of the HCPs surveyed expressed a need for further information to address consumer misconceptions. 

Let's explore more of the study's findings and some commonly asked questions you, your patients or your clients might have on seed oils, including its potential benefits and uses. 

 
How common are seed oils in American consumers’ diets?
Seed oils are common in American diets with half of consumers (55%) agreeing seed oils are great to use in different cooking methods and just under half (49%) say they are an important part of a balanced and healthy diet. 

How likely is it that patients will ask about seed oils? 
HCPs report being highly engaged in discussing nutrition and healthy lifestyles with patients. Many even dedicate nearly half of their consultation time, almost 11 minutes, to these topics. 8 in 10 report widespread diet misconceptions among their patients, often related to fad diets and misunderstandings about healthy foods. 

Patient discussions around seed oils are relatively common, with over a third (35%) of HCPs reporting discussing them at least sometimes and over half at least occasionally. This suggests that seed oil concerns are a significant priority for many patients

How do consumers perceive seed oils and what are some common health concerns? 
Patient concerns revolve primarily around the perceived health risks of seed oils, often leading them to seek alternative oil options, according to the survey. Individuals with chronic illnesses (46%), those frequently exposed to online information (44%), and those with specific dietary preferences (44%) are more likely to inquire about seed oils. 

Consumer apprehension regarding seed oils is evident, with 40% expressing worry about potential health impacts and 36% seeking clarity on their potential benefits. 



Just how common are misconceptions around seed oils? 
Myths and misconceptions around seed oils persist, with one in four consumers (25%) believing seed oils are inflammatory or toxic, though science-backed research may prove otherwise.

Yet, nearly a third (31%) think there is insufficient evidence to support these negative claims about seed oils, and 30% agree seed oils are often unfairly criticized in health discussions. 

What are leading sources of seed oils myths and misconceptions? 
The survey revealed that social media influencers (60%) and self-proclaimed wellness experts (57%) are identified as the primary sources disseminating these misleading narratives about seed oils. 

Many of these sources are not licensed medical professionals, and their significant online presence facilitates the rapid and widespread dissemination of misinformation. This makes it even more critical that HCPs are equipped with relevant, up to date knowledge to combat misinformation that may affect their patients and the larger public.  



How does the healthcare professional community view seed oils? 
A significant majority of healthcare professionals recognize the heart-health benefits of seed oils, with 72% acknowledging their value. Furthermore, three out of five healthcare professionals actively recommend incorporating seed oils into their patients' healthy diets.

However, despite these positive views, confusion surrounding seed oils exists within the HCP community. Over half (52%) of surveyed HCPs misclassified at least one type of seed oil.

Recognizing the urgent need to address the growing tide of misinformation, a significant majority of HCPs expressed a strong desire to effectively counter harmful narratives surrounding seed oils. Over half of the surveyed HCPs indicated a need for educational resources to debunk harmful myths, such as claims of inherent inflammation, ultra-processed nature, and overall toxicity.



What does the scientific community say about seed oils?
Scientific research continues to investigate the potential health benefits of seed oils. A peer-reviewed study published in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests that moderate consumption of these oils may even offer several health benefits, such as potential reduction in cardiovascular disease risk factors, inflammation levels, the risk of Type 2 diabetes, and improvements in overall diet quality.

While misconceptions believe seed oils lead to inflammation, this study suggests otherwise indicating that consuming seed oils high in unsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 PUFA linoleic acid, may instead be associated with lower levels of inflammation. 

How can providing HCPs with the right resources improve patient care?
From educational materials to up-to-date research, having the right resources can help equip healthcare professionals to properly address patient concerns and help them make informed decisions regarding a healthful diet. 

Equip yourself with these resources for HCPs:

• Science behind Seed Oils Fact Sheet
• Soybean Oil Health Brochure

For more science-backed information and resources, visit the soybean oil page on SoyConnection.