Background: Mustard oil is a predominant oil used in North India, Northeast India and Asia. Mustard oil contains bioactives that possess pharmacological potential. While several studies support the consumption of mustard oil, evidence of causal association remains inconclusive. Mustard oil has been studied for its vitamin D content. This study attempts to expound the association between mustard oil, BMI, serum concentration of vitamin D and serum lipids. 
 
Methods: Five hundred fifty-six adults aged 18 to 45 years, native to Shillong, participated in this cross-sectional study. A web-based questionnaire was designed to collect demographic details. The tool also included information on anthropometric parameters, dietary habits, types of fats and oils and the quantity and frequency of fat consumption. Food intake was measured with the 24-hour dietary recall tool to quantify the amount of oil used per day. Blood samples were drawn to study the vitamin D and lipid profile. Multiple regression models were used to analyse and associate the BMI, serum concentrations of lipids and vitamin D with mustard oil intake. 
 
Result: Increase in age was significantly correlated with higher BMI (p=0.003). The frequency (p=0.21) and the amount (p=0.015) of mustard oil consumption were found to increase serum vitamin D levels. WHR was linked to higher TG (p=.005) and VLDL-C levels (p=.005). The findings of the study positively highlighted that mustard oil consumption is favourable for maintaining BMI, serum concentrations of lipids and vitamin D.

Association between Mustard Oil Intake, BMI, Lipid Profile and Vitamin D Levels of Adults: A Cross-sectional Study