cal treatment with olive oil for newborns "significantly damages the skin barrier" when compared to sunflower oil, and that it may make existing atopic dermatitis worse. The researchers conclude that they do not recommend the use of olive oil for the treatment of dry skin and infant massage.[69]

hen used for infant massage, olive oil can be considered a safe alternative to sunflower, grapeseed and fractionated coconut oils. This stands true particularly when it is mixed with a lighter oil like sunflower, which "would have the further effect of reducing the already low levels of free fatty acids present in olive oil." The study also notes that there appears to be much confusion surrounding mineral oil, and that further studies should be done on refined mineral oil to back up claims about its superiority to olive oil.[67] Another trial echoes this claim, stating that olive oil lowers the risk of dermatitis for infants in all gestational stages when compared with emollient cream.[68] However, yet another study found that topical treatment with olive oil for newborns "significantly damages the skin barrier" when compared to sunflower oil, and that it may make existing atopic dermatitis worse. The researchers conclude that they do not recommend the use of olive oil for the treatment of dry skin and infant massage.[69]
Clinical trials have found that olive oil does not act to prevent or reduce stretch marks.[70][71]
The fatty substance was found to reduce inflammation via oleuropein, which is touted for its antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-inflammatory characteristics.[72]
Potential health effects attributed to fat composition[edit]
Preliminary clinical studies provide evidence that consumption of olive oil may lower risk of heart disease risk factors such as lower blood cholesterol levels and reduced LDL cholesterol oxidation,[73] and that it may also possibly influence inflammatory, thrombotic, hypertensive and vasodilatory mechanisms.[36][74][75][76] Although epidemiological studies indicate that a higher proportion of monounsaturated fats in the diet may be linked with a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease,[77] a cause and effect relationship has not yet been established with sufficient scientific evidence.[78]
In the United States, producers of olive oil may place the following restricted health claim on product labels:
Limited and not conclusive scientific evidence suggests that eating about 2 tbsp. (23 g) of olive oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to the monounsaturated fat in olive oil. To achieve this possible benefit, olive oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day.[79]
This decision was announced November 1, 2004, by the Food and Drug Administration after application was made to the FDA by producers.[80] Similar labels are permitted for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts and hemp seed.[81]
Other possible effects of olive oil may be a property to balance omega-6 fats and omega-3 fats[citation needed] and to affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure,[82] but these effects were dismissed in reviews by the Scientific Committee of the European Food Safety Authority.[78]
Olive oil contains the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid, vitamin E and oleuropein, a chemical that may affect the oxidation of LDL particles.[83]
Preliminary research indicates that olive oil could possi