Food Allergy Resources

Is Hydrogenated Oil or Fat Allergenic?

July 2007

Hydrogenated oils are oils that have been chemically transformed from their normal liquid state (at room temperature) into solids. This is done by heating the oil and passing hydrogen bubbles through it. The fatty acids in the oil then acquire some of the hydrogen, which increases the density of the oil. Fully hydrogenated oils turn into solids; partially hydrogenated oils have the consistency of butter.

The hydrogenation process produces trans fatty acids, which means that hydrogenated oils contain high levels of trans fats. Because studies are now linking consumption of trans fatty acid from hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils to a variety of health problems (including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease), it is recommended that you reduce or eliminate your intake of hydrogenated fats.

Keep in mind that hydrogenation does not change an oil's allergenicity. If, for example, you need to avoid cottonseed oil then you also must avoid hydrogenated cottonseed oil.