OBJECTIVES: This umbrella review aimed to evaluate the health effects of consumption of edible vegetable oils.

METHODS: The study was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A systematic literature search was performed in multiple databases up to July 31, 2023. Eligible studies included systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining the association between different vegetable oils (e.g., canola oil, olive oil, palm oil) and health outcomes in adult populations. Quality assessment was conducted using the AMSTAR-2 tool, and data were synthesized narratively and tabulated.

RESULTS: From 4,166 initial articles, 48 systematic reviews and meta-analyses met inclusion criteria, encompassing studies on oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, and sesame oil. These reviews reported significant variations in effects across different oils: canola oil and rice bran oil were associated with reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels, while coconut oil showed a reverse trend. However, palm olein shows no effect on these lipid parameters. Substantial evidence also supported beneficial effects of olive oil on lipid profiles and potentially on cancer risk reduction. The strength of evidence varied, with most associations supported by low to very low certainty.

CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive review underscores the heterogeneous effects of vegetable oils on health outcomes. Future research should address these inconsistencies and consider contextual factors to better inform dietary recommendations and public health strategies.