Coconut Oil Consumption Research Articles

Coconut oil affects aging-related changes in Mongolian gerbil liver morphophysiology

Aging causes changes in liver morphophysiology, altering hepatocyte morphology and organ function. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil has been used as a therapeutic agent in diets, in an attempt to attenuate alterations in the liver naturally caused by aging. Herein, we evaluated the effects of coconut oil consumption during aging on Mongolian gerbil liver morphophysiology. The animals were divided into three experimental groups: the gerbils in the Adult Control Group (AC) were euthanized at 3 months of age, the gerbils in the Old Control Group (OC) at 15 months of age, and the gerbils in the Coconut Oil Group (CO) received 0.1 ml/day of coconut oil for 12 months and were euthanized at 15 months of age. Prolonged consumption of coconut oil during aging prevented the animals and the liver from gaining mass. However, the other results showed that coconut oil intensified the morphophysiological alterations of aging, promoting an increase in the hepatocyte cytoplasm and nuclei. In addition, an increase in blood vessels, reticular fibers, lipid droplets, and lipofuscin granules were observed in the CO group. Finally, the results also demonstrated that coconut oil promotes an increase in lipid peroxidation, indicated by an increase in MDA levels. We therefore conclude that coconut oil has the potential to intensify the morphophysiological alterations that occur in the liver during aging.

Predicting Cooling Load and Energy Consumption of Coconut Oil as Phase Change Material for Thermal Management in a Residential Building using Artificial Neural Network

Predicting Cooling Load and Energy Consumption of Coconut Oil as Phase Change Material for Thermal Management in a Residential Building using Artificial Neural Network

Changes in serum lipids following consumption of coconut oil and palm olein oil: A sequential feeding crossover clinical trial

BackgroundHigh incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in South Asia is linked to genetic predisposition and diets high in saturated fatty acids (SFAs). Increased CVD prevalence correlates with rising palm oil consumption in some South Asian countries, where coconut oil and palm olein oil are primary SFA sources. ObjectiveCompare the effects of coconut oil and palm olein oil on serum lipoprotein lipids and biochemical parameters in healthy adults. MethodsA sequential feeding crossover clinical trial with two feeding periods of 8 weeks each was conducted among 40 healthy adults. Participants were provided palm olein oil in the first feeding period followed by coconut oil with a 16-week washout period in between. The outcomes measured were the difference in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), TC/HDL-C ratio, triglycerides (TG), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and liver enzymes. ResultsThirty-seven participants completed the study. LDL-C decreased by 13.0 % with palm olein oil (p < 0.001) and increased by 5.6 % with coconut oil (p = 0.044), showing a significant difference (p < 0.001). TC decreased by 9.9 % with palm olein oil (p < 0.001) and increased by 4.0 % with coconut oil (p = 0.044). ConclusionPalm olein oil consumption resulted in more favorable changes in lipid-related CVD risk factors (TC, LDL-C, TC:HDL-C, and FPG) compared to coconut oil.Clinical Trial Registry number and website where it was obtained: (SLCTR/2019/034); https://slctr.lk/trials/slctr-2019-034.

Ketogenic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments: History, rationale, and 288 caregiver case reports

Glucose hypometabolism predates Alzheimer’s disease symptoms by at least one to two decades. Ketones are an alternative fuel to glucose and are taken up normally in affected regions of the Alzheimer’s brain and could address certain pathologies that are common in the aging brain and exaggerated in Alzheimer’s disease including insulin resistance, a brain-energy deficit, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Ketones have also been shown to reduce formation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in animal models. Experts have estimated that at least 30 percent of Alzheimer’s and other dementias could be avoided by adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and correcting other modifiable lifestyle risk factors. Mild to moderate ketosis can be achieved through consumption of a healthy whole food low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet, ketogenic oils containing medium-chain triglycerides, or exogenous ketone supplements as well as intermittent or overnight fasting, and moderately vigorous aerobic exercise. An analysis was performed of 288 anecdotal reports about people with Alzheimer’s, other dementias, Parkinson’s disease with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and other diagnosed or subjective memory impairments consuming coconut oil and/or medium-chain triglyceride oil. Improvement was reported by 89.2 percent, no improvement by 7.3 percent, and no improvement but stabilization for at least 3 months by 2.4 percent. One or more improvements were reported in the areas of memory/cognition (65.3%), social/behavior/ mood/personality (32.6%), speech/language/conversation (33%), resumption of self-care/other activities (24.7%), physical symptoms (18.4%), sleep (3.5%), appetite (2.4%), vision (1.4%), and improvement that was otherwise unspecified (8%). Certain fatty acids found in medium-chain triglyceride oil and coconut oil are ketogenic but also have other important biological effects which, along with polyphenols and other bioactive substances in virgin coconut oil, could explain these results. Adopting a personalized ketogenic lifestyle plan using one or more ketogenic strategies could address certain pathological processes that occur in the aging brain while potentially improving symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, this approach could possibly prevent or delay the onset of cognitive impairment during aging, though larger long-term studies would be needed to confirm this.

Effects of virgin coconut oil consumption on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Background and aim Metabolic syndrome is associated with health conditions and neurological disorders. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a protective role on the nervous system. Decreased levels of BDNF have been shown in MetS and neurodegenerative diseases. There is promising evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties of virgin coconut oil (VCO). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of VCO consumption on serum BDNF levels, oxidative stress status, and insulin resistance in adults with MetS. Methods This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 48 adults with MetS aged 20–50 years. The intervention group received 30 ml of VCO daily to substitute the same amounts of oil in their usual diet. The control group continued their usual diet. Serum BDNF levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as HOMA-IR and QUICKI index were measured after four weeks of intervention. Results VCO consumption significantly reduced serum levels of MDA (p = .01), fasting insulin (p < .01) and HOMA-IR index (p < .01) and increased serum TAC (p < .01) and QUICKI index (p = .01) compared to the control group. Serum BDNF levels increased significantly in VCO group compared to the baseline (p = .02); however, this change was not significant when compared to the control group (p = .07). Conclusion VCO consumption improved oxidative stress status and insulin resistance and had a promising effect on BDNF levels in adults with MetS. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of VCO consumption.

Comparing acute effects of extra virgin coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil consumption on appetite and food intake in normal-weight and obese male subjects.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to compare acute effects of consuming extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) as a source of medium chain fatty acids and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as a source of long chain fatty acids in normal weight and obese subjects.DesignRandomised, crossover design.ParticipantsMetabolically healthy twenty male subjects (10 normal weight; 10 obese) aged 19–40 years.InterventionSubjects consumed breakfast meals containing skimmed milk, fat-free white cheese, bread and EVCO (25 g) or EVOO (25 g).Outcome measuresVisual analog scale evaluations, resting metabolic rate measurements and selected blood parameters analysis (glucose, triglyceride, insulin and plasma peptide YY) were performed before and after the test breakfast meals. In addition, energy intakes were evaluated by ad libitum lunch meal at 180 min.ResultsVisual analogue scale values of hunger and desire to eat decreased significantly after EVCO consumption than EVOO consumption in normal weight subjects at 180 min. There was an increase trend in plasma PYY at 30 and 180 min after EVCO breakfast compared to EVOO breakfast. Ad libitum energy intakes after EVCO and EVOO consumption in normal weight subjects were 924 ± 302; 845 ± 158 kcal (p = 0.272), respectively whereas in obese subjects were 859 ± 238; 994 ± 265 kcal (p = 0.069) respectively.ConclusionThe results of this study shows that consumption of EVCO compared to EVOO may have suppressive effect on hunger and desire to eat, may affect postprandial PYY levels differently and have no effect on postprandial energy expenditure.Trial registrationClinical Trials NCT04738929.

Protective Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil on Osteopenia Induced by High Refined Carbohydrate-Containing Diet in Mice.

Background: Obesity leads to chronic low-grade inflammation, promoting detrimental effects on bone. The consumption of virgin coconut oil (VCO) is associated with benefits related to meta-inflammation. We evaluated the effect of VCO supplementation on osteopenia promoted by diet-induced obesity in mice. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were fed a control (C) or highly refined carbohydrate-containing (HC) diet for eight weeks. After that, the HC diet group was supplemented with three doses of VCO for four weeks. Results: The HC diet increased the adiposity and leptin levels associated with augmented systemic inflammatory cells improved with VCO supplementation. The HC diet reduced the trabecular bone in the tibia, lumbar vertebrae, distal and proximal femur, as well as the bone mineral density of the femur and alveolar bone. The VCO supplementation reverted bone osteopenia by increasing the trabecular bone in different sites and improving femur and alveolar bone microarchitecture. Although the reduced number of osteoblasts in the alveolar bone of the HC diet group was not significantly enhanced by VCO supplementation, the reduced Alp expression in the HC diet group was enhanced in the VCO group. These beneficial effects were associated with lowering the Rankl/Opg ratio. Conclusion: VCO supplementation might be an effective strategy to attenuate bone osteopenic effects induced by obesity.

A critical appraisal on the antimicrobial, oral protective, and anti-diabetic functions of coconut and its derivatives

The coconut palm is aptly described as the “tree of life” because of its myriad of uses and diversified value added products. Coconut and its derivatives are considered to be an emerging functional food. It is also called a “miracle food”. In recent years, there have been conflicting reports regarding the consumption of coconut oil and its health benefits. In this backdrop, our article systematically analyses the antimicrobial, oral protective, and anti-diabetic effects of coconut products in light of the recent scientific literature. Numerous scientific reports have highlighted that the coconut oil has antimicrobial properties improving oral hygiene. Although its anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects are backed by emerging scientific literature, many questions remain unanswered. In general, consumption of coconut oil has many beneficial effects; nevertheless, long-term clinical trials are warranted. Indeed, the exploration of coconut phytochemicals, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies unleash the true therapeutic prospects of coconut and its derivatives. At this juncture, we suggest shifting our research focus from the fatty acid composition of coconut oil towards characterization of other phytochemicals such as polyphenols, phytosterols, etc., conduct of clinical trials and epidemiological studies to unleash the true potential of coconut products.

Coconut oil as a therapeutic treatment for alzheimer's disease: a review

The coconut tree ( Cocos nucifera ) which is also known as the “Tree of life” has its own values in each part of the tree and coconut oil is more prestigious among them. At present, the consumption of coconut oil is booming all around the world owing to its tremendous health benefits. The unique chemical composition of coconut oil enriched with medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) has led to the exploration of these nutritional and therapeutic influences. Unlike the long chain fatty acids (LCFAs), the MCFAs generated from the digestion of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) has a specific pathway for the metabolism, as it bypasses the lymphatic system and enter the liver directly through the portal vein. Due to such distinct attributes in absorption and metabolism, MCTs are readily capable of forming ketone bodies than other triglycerides. These ketone bodies are a competent energy source for the brains, especially those having cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a neurodegenerative disease characterized clinically by accelerating shortfalls in memory and behavioral changes. The principal biochemical hallmarks behind the pathogenesis of AD are the development of extracellular amyloid β plaques and the accumulation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Occurrence of Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with elevated LDL levels, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance are some key risk factors that are responsible for the increasing prevalence and incidence of AD. There is sufficient evidence to prove that MCTs in coconut oil are metabolized and absorbed in such a way that retards the severity of these physiological risk factors. Besides, coconut oil is endowed with many polyphenolic compounds that are serving as antioxidants by combating oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn downregulates the etiology of AD. But depending on the different processing conditions applied in extraction techniques of coconut oil, variations in antioxidant capacity can take place. Even though there are inadequacies in peer-reviewed large cohort clinical data for the long run, this article reviews that coconut oil, its constituents, and metabolism have positive findings on the potentiality to treat AD as a nutritional supplement.

Misinformation in nutrition through the case of coconut oil: An online before-and-after study

Background and aimsDespite recent scientific evidence indicating absence of cardiometabolic benefit resulting from coconut oil intake, its consumption has increased in recent years, which can be attributed to a promotion of its use on social networks. We evaluated the patterns, reasons and beliefs related to coconut oil consumption and its perceived benefits in an online survey of a population in southern Brazil. Methods and resultsWe conducted a before-and-after study using an 11-item online questionnaire that evaluated coconut oil consumption. In the same survey, participants who consumed coconut oil received an intervention to increase literacy about the health effects of coconut oil intake. We obtained 3160 valid responses. Among participants who consumed coconut oil (59.1%), 82.5% considered it healthy and 65.4% used it at least once a month. 81.2% coconut oil consumers did not observe any health improvements. After being exposed to the conclusions of a meta-analysis showing that coconut oil does not show superior health benefits when compared to other oils and fats, 73.5% of those who considered coconut oil healthy did not change their opinion. Among individuals who did not consume coconut oil, 47.6% considered it expensive and 11.6% deemed it unhealthy. ConclusionsCoconut oil consumption is motivated by the responders’ own beliefs in its supposed health benefits, despite what scientific research demonstrates. This highlights the difficulty in deconstructing inappropriate concepts of healthy diets that are disseminated in society.

Coconut Oil, Soybean Oil, Lard: Good or Bad? The link to Obesity

Obesity is a worldwide public health problem. Obesity and adiposity are caused by different factors but many cases are as a result of overconsumption of high-fat diets. Fat and oil in the diets are made available to the body in form of fatty acids. Considering the degree of saturation, fatty acids can be classified into saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). There have been controversies as regards the consumption of different fats and oils, which is essential for the establishment of public health policies to control the prevalence of metabolic disorders in the global population. The purpose of this review is to examine data from different studies and dietary intervention performed in animal models, as well as humans with the consumption of coconut oil, soybean oil, lard and their link to obesity. In addition, it sheds light on the intracellular metabolism and the changes in gene expression caused by the different dietary fat, elucidating the sex differences in obesity. It also emphasizes the public health policies and the different nutritional recommendations associated to the consumption of dietary fats. Taken together, the different studies showed evidence that high intake of coconut oil, soybean oil or lard promotes obesity, adiposity and insulin resistance through changes in the expression of inflammatory genes in a sex-dependent manner. However, it was revealed that soybean oil is more obesogenic than coconut oil and lard.

Assessment of the Quality and Accuracy of Online Health Information on Coconut Oil Consumption: A Cross-Sectional Multinational Study

Assessment of the Quality and Accuracy of Online Health Information on Coconut Oil Consumption: A Cross-Sectional Multinational Study

Coconut oil consumption and bodyweight reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Due to the composition and biological properties of coconut oil, there is still considerable debate regarding potential benefits for the management of obesity, including the specific impact on body weight (BW) reduction. This systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials aims to assess the impact of coconut oil on BW reduction in comparison to other oils and fats. The databases, PubMed®, Web of Science®, EMBASE®, and SciVerse Scopus® were systematically searched. A combination of medical subject headings and words linked to coconut oil and obesity parameters were utilized. Any clinical trials comparing coconut oil to any other form of oil or fat, with more than one month feeding period among adults were considered. From the 540 potentially relevant papers, 9 were included. The period of coconut oil intake varied from four to twelve weeks, apart from one long-term trial where coconut oil was consumed for two years. When compared to other oils and fats, coconut oil substantially decreased BW (N.=546), Body Mass Index (BMI) (N.=551), and percentage of fat mass (FM%) (N.=491) by 0.75 kg (P=0.04), 0.28 kg/m2 (P=0.03), and 0.35% (P=0.008), respectively. Coconut oil consumption did not result in any significant alteration in waist circumference (WC) (N.=385) (-0.61 cm; P=0.30), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (N.=330) (-0.01; P=0.39) and FM (N.=86) (-0.25 kg; P=0.29). Results indicate a small statistically significant reduction in BW, BMI, and FM% in the coconut oil group. In contrast, consumption of coconut oil had no statistically significant effect on WC, WHR, or FM.

The latest research on coconut oil and human health

A meta-analysis of clinical trials comparing the effects of coconut oil consumption with other fats focused only on controlled clinical trials performed on human adults with a duration exceeding two weeks (long enough to let blood lipid concentrations stabilize).coconut oil consumption significantly increased total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations compared with non-tropical vegetable oils and significantly increased total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations compared with palm oil.

Effects of consumption of coconut oil or coconut on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional trials

Background and aimsThe often purported claim that coconut fat is beneficial for cardiovascular health and was disputed in several recent meta-analyses. However, the evidence on the effects of coconut fat intake on glycemic control remains equivocal. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines to determine the effects of dietary coconut fats on markers of acute and long-term glycemic control. Methods and resultsPubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web-of-Science databases were searched and the records were screened by three independent reviewers to identify interventional studies examining acute and long-term (i.e., >10 days) effects of coconut fat on glycemic control. DerSimonian–Laird random-effects meta-analyses were performed using the meta-package in R (4.0.2). Seven interventional studies on acute effects and 11 interventional studies on long-term effects of coconut fat were included. Meals with coconut fat acutely increased the incremental area under the curve (AUC) of glucose (p = 0.046) and decreased the incremental AUC of insulin (p = 0.037) vs. control meals. Long-term coconut fat intake increased HOMA-IR (p = 0.049), but did not significantly affect fasting glucose, insulin, or HOMA-β vs. control meals. ConclusionsCoconut fat in meals seems to be associated with a diminished postprandial insulin response, resulting in a subtle increase in the postprandial glycemic response. Long-term intake of coconut fat seems to increase insulin resistance, yet does not seem to be beneficial for long-term glycemic control. Thus, our results disprove the popular claim that coconut fat improves glycemic control. RegistrationPROSPERO registry (CRD42020183450).

Effect of Surfactant Addition on The Physico-Chemical Properties and Stability of Virgin Coconut Oil Nanoemulsions

&lt;p&gt;Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is high quality coconut oil and categorized as the healthiest oil and functional foods. Based on these benefits, the development of a VCO in emulsion product might increase the human consumption of coconut oil because consumers dislike the only taste of pure VCO. The aim of this study was to develop the water compatible form of VCO through nano-emulsification. The effect of different types and amounts of surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 80) on the physio-chemical characteristic of emulsion containing VCO was investigated. VCO based emulsions were prepared with the aid of Ultra-Turrax homogenizer. Emulsions were developed by adding and mixing VCO with surfactants. The ratio of Tween 80 and Span 80 used were 0:10, 2.5:7.5, 5:5, 7.5:2.5, and 10:0. The droplet size of nanoemulsions consisting of Tween 80:Span 80 (0:10, 2.5:7.5, 5:5, 7.5:2.5, and 10:0) were 1.343, 0.606, 0.829, 1.439, and 2.506µm, respectively. Based on the TEM analysis and polydispersity index (PDI) &amp;gt;0.5 showed the oil droplets are in not uniform shape, indicating a unstable emulsion. VCO emulsion with ratio Tween 80:Span 80 (0:10) obtained a homogeneous emulsion (stable) compare than that of others and w/o type emulsion. The stability of emulsion is evaluated by turbidity measurement using UV-VIS spectrophotometer with wavelength 502 nm. A combination of treatments (ambient condition, thermal treatmeant (40°C)), and centrifuge) of VCO emulsion has resulted on thermal treat, the turbidity measured from the emulsion was higher than the other emulsion, reflecting the presence of the smaller droplets in this emulsion.&lt;/p&gt;

The Effects of Feeding Coconut Oil on Anthropometric and Biochemical Measures and Mood in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract Objectives Consumption studies of coconut oil on anthropometric and biochemical measures and mood are limited in healthy adults. Thus, we sought to investigate the effects of coconut oil consumption on fasting triglycerides, blood glucose and cholesterol, blood pressure, body composition, waist-to-hip measure, and mood changes in healthy adults aged 18 or older (n = 23). Methods A free-living crossover design with two seven-week treatment periods; coconut oil added (30 mL/day), a no-coconut oil control treatment, and a seven-week washout period (IRB #19–86) was utilized. Body impedance analysis measurements (Tanita), blood pressure (Omron), and waist-to-hip measurements were taken at the beginning and end of each treatment. Three randomized compliance diet recalls (n = 6) and five mood questionnaires (Profile of Mood States) (n = 10) were collected during each study period. The mood questionnaire was analyzed by chi-square; other data was analyzed by a mixed effects model (IBM SPSS Statistics 26). Results In the coconut oil treatment (treatment), total cholesterol (p = 0.037) and triglycerides (p = 0.044) significantly increased, while HDL also increased and approached significance (p = 0.084). In the no-coconut oil control (control), increased triglycerides also approached significance (p = 0.060). In the treatment, % body fat (PBF) (p = 0.034), fat mass (FM) (p = 0.033), and total body water (TBW) (p = 0.037) were significantly higher, and corrected fat free mass (FFM) FFM-TBW approached significance (p = 0.075). In the no-coconut control group, % body fat approached significance (p = 0.056). Perceived sad mood (p = 0.013) and energetic mood (p = 0.013) decreased over the five measurements in the treatment group, while the control reported significant decreased lively mood (p = 0.036) and satisfaction (p = 0.045). No other measures were significant. Conclusions Inclusion of 30 mL/day of coconut oil (240 Kcals) in the diet may raise total and HDL cholesterol. However, % body fat and fat mass also increased, and perceived sadness and perceived energy levels also decreased. More studies are needed to confirm our results. Funding Sources Virginia M. Gladney Memorial Scholarship – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Consumption of soybean or olive oil at recommended concentrations increased the intestinal microbiota diversity and insulin sensitivity and prevented fatty liver compared to the effects of coconut oil

Diets rich in mono or polyunsaturated fats have been associated with a healthy phenotype, but there is controversial evidence about coconut oil (CO), which is rich in saturated medium-chain fatty acids. Therefore, the purpose of the present work was to study whether different types of oils rich in polyunsaturated (soybean oil, SO), monounsaturated (olive oil, OO), or saturated fatty acids (coconut oil, CO) can regulate the gut microbiota, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, mitochondrial function in wild type and PPARα KO mice. The group that received SO showed the highest microbial diversity, increase in Akkermansia muciniphila, high insulin sensitivity and low grade inflammation, The OO group showed similar insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling than SO, increase in Bifidobacterium, increase in fatty acid oxidation and low grade inflammation. The CO consumption led to the lowest bacterial diversity, a 9-fold increase in the LPS concentration leading to metabolic endotoxemia, hepatic steatosis, increased lipogenesis, highest LDL-cholesterol concentration and the lowest respiratory capacity and fatty acid oxidation in the mitochondria. The absence of PPARα decreased alpha diversity and increased LPS concentration particularly in the CO group, and increased insulin sensitivity in the groups fed SO or OO. These results indicate that consuming mono or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced health benefits at the recommended intake but a high concentration of oils (three times the recommended oil intake in rodents) significantly decreased the microbial alpha-diversity independent of the type of oil.

Low-Dose Coconut Oil Supplementation Induces Hypothalamic Inflammation, Behavioral Dysfunction, and Metabolic Damage in Healthy Mice.

Coconut oil (CO) diets remain controversial due to the possible association with metabolic disorder and obesity. This study investigates the metabolic effects of a low amount of CO supplementation. Swiss male mice are assigned to be supplemented orally during 8 weeks with 300µLof water for the control group (CV), 100 or 300µLof CO (CO100 and CO300) and 100 or 300µLof soybean oil (SO; SO100 and SO300). CO led to anxious behavior, increase in body weight gain, and adiposity. In the hypothalamus, CO and SO increase cytokines expression and pJNK, pNFKB, and TLR4 levels. Nevertheless, the adipose tissue presented increases macrophage infiltration, TNF-α and IL-6 after CO and SO consumption. IL-1B and CCL2 expression, pJNK and pNFKB levels increase only in CO300. In the hepatic tissue, CO increases TNF-α and chemokines expression. Neuronal cell line (mHypoA-2/29) exposed to serum from CO and SO mice shows increased NFKB migration to the nucleus, TNF-α, and NFKBia expression, but are prevented by inhibitor of TLR4 (TAK-242). These results show that a low-dose CO changes the behavioral pattern, induces inflammatory pathway activation, TLR4 expression in healthy mice, and stimulates the pro-inflammatory response through a TLR4-mediated mechanism.

Virgin Coconut Oil Improved Discriminative Learning and Working Memory in Aging Cycling and Non-Cycling Female Sprague-Dawley Rats Supporting Its Beneficial Effect in Retarding Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Aim: Beneficial effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) consumption to improve cognition in menopausal females remain inconclusive. This study examined the effect of VCO supplementation in aging cycling and non-cycling rodents to assess its impact on cognition. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (10 - 18 months) were randomly assigned to a supplemented VCO group (SVCO) that received oral doses of 1.42 mL/kg/day VCO (n = 10) and a non-supplemented (NVCO) group (n = 10). Their performance in a biased Y-maze discriminative learning paradigm was assessed over a 16-week period. Rats were initially allowed 3 minutes to explore the maze (habituated) and subsequently pre-trained in the non-preferred, white chamber to associate the presentation of a tone with a treat (reward). Training involved 4 daily trials initially for 3 weeks during which rats were rewarded if they entered the white arm within 15 sec after tone presentation. Time (days) to attain at least 75% correct responses (CR) determined acquisition latency (AL). Memory retention (MR1) of the learned task was assessed following a 1-week break from training and absence of supplementation (session T1). Following an additional 2-week break, supplementation of SVCO animals resumed and continued to week 16. In week 14, all animals received re-training for 1 week (session T2) followed by another 1-week break and subsequent assessment of memory (MR2). Vaginal smear cytology determinations were performed throughout the study to identify cycling and non-cycling rats. Student’s t-test and ANOVA with Brown-Forsythe and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used to compare means. Results: C-SVCO rats attained lower AL, and higher CR and MR scores vs their NVCO counterparts (p Conclusion: VCO supplementation attenuated cognitive decline with a more positive impact on non-cycling rodents suggesting a beneficial effect on brain health in females in menopausal transition.