by Kay Vavrina, RD, LD, CACFD

Seed oils (like soybean, sunflower, safflower, and canola oils) have gotten a lot of attention in the media lately. Some influencers say they’re “toxic” or “unnatural,” but for people with cystic fibrosis, these oils can be an important tool for meeting nutrition needs. Let’s clear up some common myths.

Myth: Seed oils are inflammatory and should be avoided.

Fact: Seed oils contain omega-6 fatty acids (like linoleic acid), which play a part in the inflammatory process, but these fats are essential for health.  Chronic inflammation is something that we try to minimize, but the inflammatory process is necessary for healing. Your body cannot make omega-6 fatty acids on its own so we must get them from our diet. In CF, where fat malabsorption is common, seed oils can be a good way to get calories and essential fatty acids.

Myth: Butter and coconut oil are healthier than seed oils.

Fact: Saturated fats like butter and coconut oil can provide calories, but they only supply small amounts of essential fatty acids that your body needs. Relying only on these fats may leave people with CF deficient in key nutrients. It is much better to use a mix of fat sources, including seed oils, to help prevent deficiency.

Myth: Seed oils are highly processed and therefore harmful.

Fact: While some seed oils are refined, this process actually removes impurities and stabilizes the oil for cooking. Importantly, refined oils are still a concentrated source of essential fatty acids. For people with CF, who need high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, the benefit of refined oils can outweigh potential concerns about processing.

Myth: Eating seed oils causes weight gain and obesity.

Fact: Weight gain is about overall calorie balance, not one single ingredient or nutrient. For people with CF, gaining and maintaining weight is often a goal, since poor nutrition can cause worse health outcomes. Seed oils are an easy way to add lots of calories in small amounts of food, a plus for those who struggle with appetite or high energy needs.