Influence of cottonseed oil on fat oxidation in steady state exercise

Abstract

Impaired fat oxidation is a common issue in individuals with chronic disease such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. Nutrition interventions aimed at increasing fat oxidation capacity could potentially have clinical relevance in delaying the progression and/or preventing chronic disease. Dihydrosterculic acid (DHSA), a bioactive component in cottonseed oil (CSO), has previously been seen to increase fat oxidation in mice. However, it is unknown the effect of CSO on fat oxidation in humans. The purpose was to determine the impact of a diet rich in either cottonseed oil (CSO) or olive oil (OO), consumed at dosages of 60g or 30g per day for a duration of 28 days, on fat oxidation during a 30-minute steady-state exercise bout in a fasted state. Methods: Healthy adults (n=47, BMI<27 kg/m 2), aged 18 to 55, engaged in a 30-minute exercise test performed at 75% of relative VO2 max, pre- and post-dietary intervention. Over 28 days, participants were randomized to receive daily doses of 30g/day or 60g/day of either CSO or olive oil (OO). Using indirect calorimetry at 10-minute intervals during the exercise tests, fat oxidation in kilocalories per minute was calculated and summarized as area under the curve (AUC) at each time point. The shift in fat burning between pre- and post-intervention tests, were then computed. ANOVA was used to find differences between groups. Results: There were no significant changes in fat kcal/22 mins between all groups (p=0.43). Combining both CSO dosage groups revealed a trend increase in fat kcal/22 mins compared to OO (CSO: 5.89 + or - 4.89 kcals/22 mins, OO: -7.71 + or - 7.32 kcals/22 mins p=0.13). No differences were found between 30g and 60g dosages (p=0.51). Sexes showed a significant difference in change of fat oxidation, with females (8.69 + or - 4.28 kcals/22 mins) exhibiting an increase and males (-9.71 + or - 7.25 kcals/22 mins) a decrease (p=0.04). Change in fat percentage showed no significant differences between CSO and OO groups (p=0.98). Conclusion: These findings suggest that CSO may boost fat oxidation in humans, offering potential benefits for metabolic health.