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Analysis of 26 Studies of the Impact of Coconut Oil on Lipid Parameters: Beyond Total and LDL Cholesterol.

  • 2025-01-30
  • Nutrients 17(3)
    • Mary T Newport
    • Fabian M Dayrit

Study Design

Type
Review
Methods
Review of 26 CNO studies and analysis of 984 lipid profile data sets
  • Rigorous Journal
Coconut oil (CNO) is often characterized as an "artery-clogging fat" because it is a predominantly saturated fat that ostensibly raises total cholesterol (TChol) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Whereas previous analyses assessed CNO based on the relative effects on lipid parameters against other fats and oils, this analysis focuses on the effects of CNO itself. Here, we review the literature on CNO and analyze 984 lipid profile data sets from 26 CNO studies conducted over the past 40 years. This analysis shows considerable heterogeneity among CNO studies regarding participant selection, the amount consumed, and the study duration. The analysis reveals that, overall, CNO consumption gives variable TChol and LDL-C values, but that the HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) values increase and triglycerides (TG) decrease. This holistic lipid assessment, together with the consideration of lipid ratios, shows that CNO does not pose a health risk for heart disease. Because the predominantly medium-chain fatty acid profile of CNO is significantly different from that of lard and palm oil, studies using these as reference materials do not apply to CNO. This paper concludes that the recommendation to avoid consuming coconut oil due to the risk of heart disease is not justified.

Research Insights

  • Coconut→Increased High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

    the HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) values increase and triglycerides (TG) decrease

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    variable amounts across studies
  • Coconut→Reduced Blood Cholesterol

    The analysis reveals that, overall, CNO consumption gives variable TChol and LDL-C values

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    variable amounts across studies
  • Coconut→Reduced LDL Cholesterol

    The analysis reveals that, overall, CNO consumption gives variable TChol and LDL-C values

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    variable amounts across studies
  • Coconut→Reduced Triglyceride Levels

    the HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) values increase and triglycerides (TG) decrease

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    variable amounts across studies
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