Cotton Seed Oil in Pregnancy

Cottonseed oil is extracted from cotton seeds.

Although not very well known, cottonseed oil is found in numerous grocery products and is frequently used by commercial restaurants. It is inexpensive and readily available, but should be avoided if possible, especially while pregnant, since it is high in unhealthy saturated fat. Pregnant women should read labels carefully before purchasing grocery items to ensure they are not unknowingly ingesting cottonseed oil.

History

Cottonseed oil is extracted from cottonseed and has been a part of the American diet for over a century, according to the National Cottonseed Production Association. Sometimes referred to as America's original vegetable oil, it has a mild, nutty flavor and ranks third in U.S. production volume behind soybean and corn oil.

Uses

Cottonseed oil is commonly used to make salad dressings and mayonnaise, but may also be used for frying fish. It is frequently used in stir fry and other Asian culinary dishes because of its high smoke point (the point at which oil begins to decompose). Cottonseed oil is also found in many processed foods, such as crackers, cereals and potato chips, as well as margarine and shortening.

Cholesterol

Cottonseed oil is one of the unhealthiest oils because it is high in saturated fat that can raise cholesterol, and low in cholesterol-lowering fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, according to Dr. Andrew Weil. Since cholesterol levels rise naturally during pregnancy due to the increase in hormone production, eating products that contain cottonseed oil can raise cholesterol to unhealthy levels, also known as hypercholesterolaemia, according to AskDr.Sears.com and Doctor's Guide.

Pesticides

Cotton is a crop that is sprayed heavily with pesticides, which may result in pesticide contamination in the oil, according to AskDr.Sears.com. Exposure to pesticides, either by inhalation or ingestion, may cause birth defects or complications during a woman's pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The risk for complications is increased during the first three months of pregnancy, but products that possibly contain pesticides should be avoided throughout pregnancy. Prenatal pesticide exposure complications may include neural tube defects, heart defects, limb defects and the development of certain types of cancers.

Speculation

Cottonseed oil contains gossypol, which has been known to decrease the production of sperm and reduce male fertility in rats, according to the European Journal of Histochemistry. The oil has been used in China as a male contraceptive, but is discouraged due to side effects, such as lowered potassium levels, fatigue, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Women who are trying to conceive should advise their partner to avoid food products that contain cottonseed oil due to the possible link to decreased fertility.

References

• "European Journal of Histochemistry"; Proteinaceous Diet Inhibits Gossypol-Induced Spermatotoxicity; O. Akinola, O. Dosunmu, L. Dini, S. Ajayi; 2006
• Ask Dr. Sears: All About Oils
• National Cottonseed Products Association: Twenty Facts About Cottonseed Oil
• Dr. Weil: Is Cottonseed Oil Okay?
• Ask Dr. Sears: Pregnancy and Childbirth

Resources

• American Pregnancy Association: Pesticides Exposure During Pregnancy
• Doctor's Guide: High Cholesterol In Pregnancy May Affect Progression Of Atherosclerosis In Children