Does Coconut Oil Have Side Effects

Abstract

Virgin coconut oil (CO), high in medium chained fatty acids (MCT), is metabolized quickly. Few cases report intolerance or allergy with oil intake. Some practitioners recommend at least 30‐60 g of CO/day for health benefits but side effects from this amount of oil are unexplored. This analysis compares side effects of CO to high oleic safflower oil (SO), which is primarily a polyunsaturated fat. A mixed‐methods analysis examined data from a randomized cross‐over clinical trial of 12 postmenopausal females. Participants consumed either CO or SO for 28 days without altering normal diet with a 28 day washout. Side effect surveys were given at each testing period. Qualitative analyses of survey comments were categorized by theme, codified, and compared to identify relationships hierarchically. One subject had an intolerance to coconut oil as evidenced by a scratchy throat and general feeling of malaise that improved after stopping the oil. More subjects reported no change in gastric issues on SO than CO. About 30% of subjects experienced an initial increase in gas after CO that disappeared when they incorporated the oils slowly. Improved skin softness was notable with CO compared to SO (+67% vs +15%, p=0.03 Mc Nemar's test). About 30% reported decreased cravings and appetite on both oils. Though 39% of participants reported feeling heavier while using SO, there was no meaningful weight change with either oil. Participants reported feeling more satiated with CO though had a smaller appetite on SO. We conclude that allergy/intolerance to CO is possible. Negative side effects are minimized with slow oil consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first study exploring side effects of CO in a Caucasian US population. Additional research on appetite & satiety is needed to determine whether CO is helpful in attaining weight loss goals.