Coconut Oil Group Research Articles

Comparative Effect of Dietary Soybean Oil, Fish Oil, and Coconut Oil on Performance, Egg Quality and Some Blood Parameters in Laying Hens

Two hundred and sixteen 28-wk-old Hy-line laying hens were randomly distributed to three dietary treatments and fed 1of 3 diets containing 8% soybean oil, fish oil, or coconut oil from 28 to 47 wk of age to investigate comparative effect of dietary soybean oil, fish oil, and coconut oil on the performance, egg quality and blood malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate transaminase (AST) and uric acid (UA). Hens fed fish oil showed poor performance compared with soybean oil or coconut oil, and especially egg weight throughout the trial was significantly and consistently decreased (P < 0.05) due to dietary fish oil. Unexpectedly, shell reflectivity throughout the majority of the trial was consistently and significantly higher (P < 0.05) when hens fed fish oil than that when fed soybean oil or coconut oil. Dietary treatments affected (P < 0.05) shell shape at 4 of 8 time points tested. Average shell shape in fish oil treatment was higher (P < 0.05) than that of coconut oil group. Albumen height, Haugh unit and yolk color were influenced by dietary treatments only at 1 or 2 time points. However, average albumen height and Haugh unit in fish oil treatment were higher (P < 0.05) than that of soybean oil or coconut oil treatments and average yolk color in coconut oil treatment was higher (P < 0.05) than that of soybean oil group. Serum MDA, AST and UA concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) by fish oil during the majority of the first 2 mo of the trial. These data suggested that the inclusion of fish oil into feed may reduce the performance of laying hens, especially the egg weight, decrease the intensity of egg brown color and increase blood MDA, AST and UA levels compared with soybean oil or coconut oil. As a result, hens fed fish oil may lay smaller, longer and lighter-brown eggs whereas those fed coconut oil produce blunter and darker-brown eggs relative to soybean oil.

An Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Weight Gain of Very Low Birth Weight Babies with or without Addition of Coconut Oil to Breast Milk.

Nutritional guidelines involving the feeding of very low birth weight babies (VLBW) recommend addition of Human Milk Fortifiers to breast milk. Owing to financial constraints, it is a practice in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to add coconut oil to aid better weight gain. There are inadequate data on improvement of growth parameters with oral coconut oil supplementation of breast milk. In this randomized controlled trial, we measured growth parameters and body composition of 60 babies who received either breast milk with coconut oil or breast milk alone. Randomization was stratified according to intrauterine growth appropriate for gestational age (n = 30) and small for gestational age (n = 30). There was no difference in weight gain between the two groups. The weight gain velocity was 15 ± 3.6 and 14.4 ± 3.4 g/kg/day (p value = 0.49) in the breast milk alone and in the breast milk with coconut oil group, respectively. There was no difference in increase in head circumference and length. Triceps skinfold thickness (n = 56) was similar in both groups, but subscapular skinfold thickness was significantly more in the coconut oil group. Total body fat percentage did not differ between the groups (25.2 ± 4.3 vs. 25.5 ± 4.3%, p = 0.79). Oral supplementation of coconut oil along with breast milk did not increase growth parameters or result in change in body composition in very low birth weight (VLBW) babies.

Topical Coconut Oil in Very Preterm Infants: An Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: The immature fragile skin of preterm infants represents an inadequate protective barrier. The emollient and anti-infective properties of coconut oil make it a potentially beneficial topical agent for this population. Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate feasibility, safety, and the effects of topical coconut oil on skin condition in very preterm infants. Methods: An open-label randomised controlled trial in preterm infants <30 weeks' gestation was conducted. Enrolled infants were randomised to receive either routine care or topical coconut oil (5 mL/kg) twice daily for 21 days, starting within 24 h of birth. The neonatal skin condition was the primary outcome, and was assessed using the Neonatal Skin Condition Score (NSCS) on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. The number of coconut oil applications was recorded to assess clinical feasibility and all enrolled infants were monitored for adverse effects of topical coconut application, such as skin irritation. Results: A total of 72 infants born <30 weeks' gestation were enrolled (36 infants per arm), with comparable demographic characteristics. Topical application of coconut oil was feasible and without adverse effects. The NSCS was maintained in the coconut oil group throughout the intervention period, but deteriorated from a median (IQR) of 3 (3-4) on day 1 to 4 (4-4) on day 21 in the control group (p = 0.01). There were no differences in common neonatal outcomes, including sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, chronic lung disease, and mortality. Conclusions: Topical coconut oil maintained a better skin condition in very preterm infants without adverse effects. This simple, safe, and affordable intervention warrants further investigation.

A High-Fructose-High-Coconut Oil Diet Induces Dysregulating Expressions of Hippocampal Leptin and Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase, and Spatial Memory Deficits in Rats.

We investigated the effects of high-fructose-high-fat diets with different fat compositions on metabolic parameters, hippocampal-dependent cognitive function, and brain leptin (as well as stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) mRNA expressions). Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups, a control group (n = 8), a high-fructose soybean oil group (37.5% of fat calories, n = 12), and a high-fructose coconut oil group (37.5% of fat calories, n = 12) for 20 weeks. By the end of the study, the coconut oil group exhibited significantly higher serum fasting glucose, fructosamine, insulin, leptin, and triglyceride levels compared to those of the control and soybean oil groups. However, hippocampal leptin expression and leptin receptor mRNA levels were significantly lower, while SCD1 mRNA was significantly higher in rats fed the high-fructose-high-coconut oil diet than in rats fed the other experimental diets. In addition, the coconut oil group spent significantly less time in the target quadrant on the probe test in the Morris water maze (MWM) task. Rats fed the high-fructose-high-coconut oil diet for 20 weeks were prone to develop hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. These metabolic consequences may contribute to hippocampal-dependent memory impairment, accompanied by a lower central leptin level, and a higher SCD1 gene expression in the brain.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of Eladi Keram for the treatment of Acne vulgaris: a randomised controlled pilot study

IntroductionAcne is a multifactorial and common skin disease which can significantly affect the quality of life of sufferers. In this study, a topical herbal preparation traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine was evaluated as a treatment for individuals with acne on their shoulders and backs. MethodsStudy participants were randomly assigned either to treatment (Eladi Keram) or vehicle control (coconut oil) groups under double blind conditions and instructed on its daily home application. Standardised lesion counting and acne grading were conducted in accordance with US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and with reference to the Leeds Acne Grading Technique. Participants were assessed for severity of the condition at commencement and on day 28 of treatment. ResultsThe treatment group showed improvements of 42% (p<0.005) on the Investigators Global Assessment scale, a 60% (p<0.05) reduction in inflammatory lesions, a 59% (p<0.05) reduction in non-inflammatory lesions, and a 59% (p<0.005) reduction in combined lesion count. The control group showed no statistically significant changes for these criteria. ConclusionThis study is the first reported clinical evaluation of Eladi Keram as a treatment for acne and findings suggest that it could be effective in reducing inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, warranting further investigation by means of a larger scale clinical trial.

Dietary Fats and Oxidative Stress: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Coronary Artery Disease Subjects Consuming Coconut Oil/Sunflower Oil.

Coconut oil has been used by the people of Kerala as a cooking medium for several decades. Due to its alleged hypercholesterolemic activity, general population in recent times is shifting to cooking oils rich in polyunsaturated fats, the most popular being sunflower oil. The effect of long-term consumption of sunflower oil on oxidative stress in humans is not well investigated. We studied oxidative stress among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who were consuming coconut oil or sunflower oil as a part of their routine diet. Men, aged 35-70years, with established CAD, who presented to the hospital for routine cardiac evaluations, were enrolled in this observational study. Group 1 and 2 consisted of 73 and 80 subjects consuming coconut oil and sunflower oil respectively for over a period of 2years. Lipid profile and parameters for oxidative stress were evaluated among them. Conventional lipid parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups. Mean vitamin C concentration was significantly reduced for subjects on sunflower oil compared to those consuming coconut oil (P=0.044). Malondialdehyde was higher for sunflower oil consumers compared to coconut oil consumers (P<0.0001). Other parameters such as oxidized LDL, GSH, GPx and SOD were not found to be significantly different between the two groups. The results of the present study show that coconut oil did not induce hypercholesterolemia compared to sunflower oil. On the other hand, sunflower oil group had elevated oxidative stress compared to coconut oil group.

Comparative Evaluation of Antiplaque Efficacy of Coconut Oil Pulling and a Placebo, Among Dental College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Oil pulling, has been extensively used as traditional Indian folk remedy since many years to prevent dental diseases and for strengthening teeth and gums. To compare and evaluate antiplaque efficacy of coconut oil pulling with a placebo among dental students, in Hyderabad city of India. A randomized controlled study was carried out among 40 dental students. Out of 40, 20 subjects were randomly assigned to study group and other 20 to control group. Subjects in the study group were given the coconut oil and control group a placebo, and advised to rinse for 10 minutes, once daily in the morning for a period of seven days. Plaque levels were assessed on day zero, third and seventh day using Turesky-Gilmore-Glickman Modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (1970) for both the groups. The mean plaque scores showed a significant difference at baseline, third day and seventh day among both study (p<0.001) and control groups (p<0.001). Group wise comparison revealed, though the mean plaque scores were low among study group on third day and seventh day on comparison with the control group, significant difference was noticed only on the seventh day. Furthermore, the mean percentage reduction of plaque scores were also significant only on the seventh day with a high mean plaque reduction among study groups (p<0.001). Oil pulling is effective in controlling plaque levels.

&lt;b&gt;Coconut oil increases HDL-c and decreases triglycerides in wistar rats

Changes in body composition and serum lipid profile in rats, supplemented with coconut oil, are evaluated and compared to other lipid sources. Female Wistar rats received by gavage 1 mL kg -1 of saline, soybean oil, lard or coconut oil during 21 days. At the end of the study period, body composition, food intake, feces, urine, organ weight and serum lipid profile were assessed. No statistical differences between the groups were found in body composition, food intake, fecal and urinary analysis, and organ weight. In the case or plasma lipid concentrations, coconut oil and lard raised total cholesterol levels, without changes in LDL levels. On the other hand there was no change in total cholesterol levels in the soybean oil group. HDL fraction increased in all groups when compared to that in the saline group; this increase was more significant in the coconut oil group. There was significant reduction of serum triglycerides only in the coconut oil group when compared to the saline group. Supplementation with coconut oil did not interfere in weight and body composition of the animals used in current study, but revealed significant effect on the increase of HDL-c levels and decrease of serum triglycerides.

A randomized study of coconut oil versus sunflower oil on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with stable coronary heart disease

Background and rationaleCoronary artery disease (CAD) and its pathological atherosclerotic process are closely related to lipids. Lipids levels are in turn influenced by dietary oils and fats. Saturated fatty acids increase the risk for atherosclerosis by increasing the cholesterol level. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of cooking oil media (coconut oil and sunflower oil) on lipid profile, antioxidant mechanism, and endothelial function in patients with established CAD. Design and methodsIn a single center randomized study in India, patients with stable CAD on standard medical care were assigned to receive coconut oil (Group I) or sunflower oil (Group II) as cooking media for 2 years. Anthropometric measurements, serum, lipids, Lipoprotein a, apo B/A-1 ratio, antioxidants, flow-mediated vasodilation, and cardiovascular events were assessed at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. ResultsHundred patients in each arm completed 2 years with 98% follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in the anthropometric, biochemical, vascular function, and in cardiovascular events after 2 years. ConclusionCoconut oil even though rich in saturated fatty acids in comparison to sunflower oil when used as cooking oil media over a period of 2 years did not change the lipid-related cardiovascular risk factors and events in those receiving standard medical care.

Coconut oil supplementation and physical exercise improves baroreflex sensitivity and oxidative stress in hypertensive rats.

The hypothesis that oral supplementation with virgin coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) and exercise training would improve impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and reduce oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was tested. Adult male SHR and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were divided into 5 groups: WKY + saline (n = 8); SHR + saline (n = 8); SHR + coconut oil (2 mL·day(-1), n = 8); SHR + trained (n = 8); and SHR + trained + coconut oil (n = 8). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded and BRS was tested using phenylephrine (8 μg/kg, intravenous) and sodium nitroprusside (25 μg·kg(-1), intravenous). Oxidative stress was measured using dihydroethidium in heart and aorta. SHR + saline, SHR + coconut oil, and SHR + trained group showed higher MAP compared with WKY + saline (175 ± 6, 148 ± 6, 147 ± 7 vs. 113 ± 2 mm Hg; p < 0.05). SHR + coconut oil, SHR + trained group, and SHR + trained + coconut oil groups presented lower MAP compared with SHR + saline group (148 ± 6, 147 ± 7, 134 ± 8 vs. 175 ± 6 mm Hg; p < 0.05). Coconut oil combined with exercise training improved BRS in SHR compared with SHR + saline group (-2.47 ± 0.3 vs. -1.39 ± 0.09 beats·min(-1)·mm Hg(-1); p < 0.05). SHR + saline group showed higher superoxide levels when compared with WKY + saline (774 ± 31 vs. 634 ± 19 arbitrary units (AU), respectively; p < 0.05). SHR + trained + coconut oil group presented reduced oxidative stress compared with SHR + saline in heart (622 ± 16 vs. 774 ± 31 AU, p < 0.05). In aorta, coconut oil reduced oxidative stress in SHR compared with SHR + saline group (454 ± 33 vs. 689 ± 29 AU, p < 0.05). Oral supplementation with coconut oil combined with exercise training improved impaired BRS and reduced oxidative stress in SHR.

The difference between orange and pineapple supplementation effect on plasma malondialdehyde concentration in subject exposed to air pollution

Background: The increasing response of postprandial triglyceride caused by food intake, which is influenced by amount, composition, and emulsification form of fatty acids, is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Oil is a source of fatty acid and they contain different composition of fatty acids. Coconut oil, palm oil, and corn oil are frequently used as frying oil. Frying process can change the composition of fatty acids in oil, which never been studied before by using Indonesian typical breakfast, fried rice. This study is conducted in order to know the effect of coconut oil, palm oil, and corn oil, as frying oil on postprandial triglyceride response in physiologic condition. Method: The experimental study conducted to 67 healthy males, 19—29 years old who had same meal pattern and activities, divided into four groups randomly: control group, coconut oil group, palm oil group, and corn oil group. Some factors that influenced postprandial triglyceride response had been proven homogeny in this study. Laboratory screening to examine hemoglobin level, leukocyte count, blood sediment rate, SGOT, SGPT, ureum and creatinine level, lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose, showed normal results. After 12 h fast, subjects were given fried rice which was cooked using 40 g frying oil according to their treatment group. Triglyceride levels were measured from fasting and post meal blood samples (1, 3, and 6 h post meal). These data were used to determine the width area under the curve (AUC) as postprandial triglyceride response. Results: One way ANOVAs test, continued with Games—Howell post hoc test showed that there was no significance difference (p > 0.05) on postprandial triglyceride response among coconut oil [217.088 (SD 140.686)mg/dl], palm oil [279.031 (SD 158.517)mg/dl], and corn oil [231.382 (SD 121.23]mg/dl). This research also showed a tendency that food intake contains coconut oil caused the lowest postprandial triglyceride response compared with palm oil and corn oil, eventhough there was no significance difference among the three oils. Conclusion: No significant difference on postprandial triglyceride response after food intake that contains coconut oil, palm oil, and corn oil if those oils were given as frying oil.

The effects of massage with coconut and sunflower oils on oxygen saturation of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

Nowadays particular emphasis is placed on the developmental aspects of premature infants care. Massage therapy is one of the best-known methods of caring. Due to the minimal touch policy in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), massaging is not usually performed on premature infants. However, there is not sufficient evidence to support the claim that newborn infants with complex medical conditions should not be massaged. This study aimed to determine the effects of massage with coconut and sunflower oils on oxygen saturation of infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP). This was a randomized controlled trial on 90 newborns who were admitted to Alzahra Hospital (Tabriz, Iran). The infants were divided into control and massage therapy groups (massage with coconut and sunflower oils). Data was collected using a hospital documentation form. A 15-minute daily massage was performed for 3 days. Respiratory rate (RR), fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and oxygen saturation were measured 5 minutes before the massage, 3 times during the massage, and 5 minutes after the massage. The collected data was analyzed using a mixed model. In comparison to coconut oil and control groups, mean oxygen saturation of sunflower oil group was improved. In addition, the coconut massage group showed lower oxygen saturation than the control group but was all values were within the normal range. Although massage decreased oxygen saturation, there was no need to increase FiO2. Massage therapy can provide developmental care for infants treated with NCPAP.

Unrefined and Refined Black Raspberry Seed Oils Significantly Lower Triglycerides and Moderately Affect Cholesterol Metabolism in Male Syrian Hamsters

Unrefined and refined black raspberry seed oils (RSOs) were examined for their lipid-modulating effects in male Syrian hamsters fed high-cholesterol (0.12% g/g), high-fat (9% g/g) diets. Hamsters fed the refined and the unrefined RSO diets had equivalently lower plasma total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in comparison with the atherogenic coconut oil diet. The unrefined RSO treatment group did not differ in liver total and esterified cholesterol from the coconut oil-fed control animals, but the refined RSO resulted in significantly elevated liver total and esterified cholesterol concentrations. The unrefined RSO diets significantly lowered plasma triglycerides (46%; P=.0126) in comparison with the coconut oil diet, whereas the refined RSO only tended to lower plasma triglyceride (29%; P=.1630). Liver triglyceride concentrations were lower in the unrefined (46%; P=.0002) and refined (36%; P=.0005) RSO-fed animals than the coconut oil group, with the unrefined RSO diet eliciting a lower concentration than the soybean oil diet. Both RSOs demonstrated a null or moderate effect on cholesterol metabolism despite enrichment in linoleic acid, significantly lowering HDL cholesterol but not non-HDL cholesterol. Dramatically, both RSOs significantly reduced hypertriglyceridemia, most likely due to enrichment in α-linolenic acid. As a terrestrial source of α-linolenic acid, black RSOs, both refined and unrefined, provide a promising alternative to fish oil supplementation in management of hypertriglyceridemia, as demonstrated in hamsters fed high levels of dietary triglyceride and cholesterol.

Flaxseed Oil Attenuates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver of Hyperlipidemic Hamsters

Hyperlipidemia of hamsters was induced by high-fat/cholesterol diets formulated by the addition of coconut oil (CO), butter (BU), and flaxseed oil (FX). Lower (p < 0.05) serum lipids, liver size, and hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerol contents were observed in the FX group compared to both CO and BU groups. The liver damage indices [glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) values] in the FX group were lower (p < 0.05) than those in the CO and BU groups, which may result from higher (p < 0.05) glutathione (GSH) levels and a tendency toward lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in livers. Besides, lower (p < 0.05) gene expression and activity of hepatic matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) in the FX group were lower (p > 0.05) compared to those in the CO and BU groups; however, no (p > 0.05) differences in gene expression activities of hepatic MMP-2 were observed among treatments. Those beneficial effects could explain the attenuation of FX on nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) induced by a high-fat/cholesterol dietary habit.

Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil on the Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity

The effects of dietary supplementation with coconut oil on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles of women presenting waist circumferences (WC) >88 cm (abdominal obesity) were investigated. The randomised, double-blind, clinical trial involved 40 women aged 20-40 years. Groups received daily dietary supplements comprising 30 mL of either soy bean oil (group S; n = 20) or coconut oil (group C; n = 20) over a 12-week period, during which all subjects were instructed to follow a balanced hypocaloric diet and to walk for 50 min per day. Data were collected 1 week before (T1) and 1 week after (T2) dietary intervention. Energy intake and amount of carbohydrate ingested by both groups diminished over the trial, whereas the consumption of protein and fibre increased and lipid ingestion remained unchanged. At T1 there were no differences in biochemical or anthropometric characteristics between the groups, whereas at T2 group C presented a higher level of HDL (48.7 +/- 2.4 vs. 45.00 +/- 5.6; P = 0.01) and a lower LDL:HDL ratio (2.41 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.1 +/- 0.8; P = 0.04). Reductions in BMI were observed in both groups at T2 (P < 0.05), but only group C exhibited a reduction in WC (P = 0.005). Group S presented an increase (P < 0.05) in total cholesterol, LDL and LDL:HDL ratio, whilst HDL diminished (P = 0.03). Such alterations were not observed in group C. It appears that dietetic supplementation with coconut oil does not cause dyslipidemia and seems to promote a reduction in abdominal obesity.

Effect of trans‐fatty acid source on indicators of coronary heart disease risk in male Hartley guinea pigs

The objective was to examine differences in lipoprotein particle concentration and atherosclerotic lesion development, both indicators of coronary heart disease. Male Hartley guinea pigs (n=48; 24/period, 6/group) were fed diets supplemented with 9% partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (PHVO), milk fat (MF), coconut oil (CO), or olive oil (OO) and 0.25% cholesterol (C) for 8 or 12 wks. Total trans‐fatty acid content of the PHVO and MF diets was 2%. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance was used to measure lipoprotein particles in plasma. Oil Red O was used to detect lesions in the aortic arch. Data was pooled for both periods because no differences were detected. There was no difference in plasma C, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐C or low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐C between the PHVO and MF groups; both were higher than OO and not different from CO (P&lt;0.05). Triacylglycerides were higher in the CO, PHVO and MF groups than the OO group (P&lt;0.05). CO group had the highest concentration of small‐dense (sd) LDL particles and the OO group had the lowest; no difference was detected between the MF and PHVO groups (P&lt;0.05). The MF and CO groups had higher concentrations of total and sdHDL particles than PHVO and OO groups (P&lt;0.05). None of the groups developed lesions. Although there was no difference in total plasma C, the HDL particle concentration differences detected between diets, particularly PHVO and MF, warrant further research.

Effects of dietary flaxseed oil on cholesterol metabolism of hamsters

High-fat/cholesterol diets (HFCD) formulated by addition of butter (BU), coconut oil (CO), or flaxseed oil (FX) enhanced ( P < 0.05) serum lipids of hamsters compared to the low-fat/cholesterol diet (Control). However, FX groups showed a hypocholesterolaemic effect compared to CO and BU groups. Lower ( P < 0.05) hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents were measured in FX groups than those of CO and BU groups; whereas, higher ( P < 0.05) faecal triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents were observed in FX groups. HMG-CoA reductase mRNA expression was upregulated ( P < 0.05) by HFCD, whilst FX groups showed no ( P > 0.05) influence on LDL-receptor mRNA expression compared to that of Control groups; however, higher ( P < 0.05) than those of CO and BU groups. Meanwhile, there was a tendency towards higher CYP7A1 expression in the CO or FX group than the BU group. Thus, the hypocholesterolaemic effect of FX might result from increases of LDL-receptor mRNA expression, and cholesterol catabolism/output.

TOPICAL COCONUT OIL APPLICATION REDUCES TRANSEPIDERMAL WATER LOSS IN PRETERM VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

INTRODUCTION: Topical emollients have been shown to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Such an effect of coconut oil (often used in traditional massage of infants in India) has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to determine the efficacy of topical coconut-oil application in reducing TEWL in preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. METHODS: Seventy-four preterm VLBW infants were randomly assigned at 12 hours of age to either 4 mL of topical coconut-oil application every 12 hours for 7 days (n = 37) or no oil application (n = 37). TEWL was measured at 12 hours of age and thereafter every 12 hours for 7 days in both groups by using a Vapometer (Delfin Technologies, Kuopio, Finland), a portable closed-chamber evaporimeter. The ambient and skin-surface relative humidity and temperature were recorded simultaneously. RESULTS: Birth weight (1213 ± 214 vs 1164 ± 208 g), gestation (32 ± 2 vs 31 ± 2 weeks), and other baseline variables were comparable between the 2 groups. TEWL was significantly lower in the infants in the coconut-oil group at each point of measurement. Although TEWL declined for those in both groups during the first week of life, proportional reduction in TEWL in the infants in the coconut-oil group was much greater compared with controls. Significantly lower TEWL in the infants in the coconut-oil group persisted after adjusting for differences in baseline variables by using a generalized estimating equation population-averaged model (an advanced form of regression analysis) (mean difference: 6.8 g/m2 per hour all during first week of life [95% confidence interval: 3.5–10.2]; P = .000). CONCLUSIONS: Coconut-oil application in preterm VLBW neonates reduced TEWL by as much as 46%. Such an impact is expected to be of clinical importance, because it could reduce initial weight loss, promote better growth, and reduce fluid requirements.

Does membrane fatty acid composition modulate mitochondrial functions and their thermal sensitivities?

We investigated the effect of modifying fatty acid modification of heart mitochondrial membranes by dietary intervention on the functions and thermal sensitivity of electron transport system complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Four groups of rats were fed diets differing in their fat (coconut, olive or fish oil) and antioxidant (fish oil with or without probucol) contents. After 16 weeks of feeding, the coconut and olive oil groups had lower long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contents and a lower unsaturation index compared to both fish oil groups. These differences in fatty acid composition were not related to any differences in the mitochondrial respiration rate induced at Complexes I, II or IV, or to differences in their thermal sensitivity. The coconut oil group showed a lower mitochondrial affinity for pyruvate at 5 °C ( k mapp = 6.4 ± 1.8) compared to any other groups ( k mapp = 3.8 ± 0.5; 4.7 ± 0.8; 3.6 ± 1.1, for olive, fish oil and fish oil and probucol groups, respectively). At least in rat heart, our results do not support a major impact of the fatty acid composition of the mitochondrial membrane on the function of mitochondrial enzymatic complexes or on their temperature sensitivity.

Effect of dietary argan oil on fatty acid composition, proliferation, and phospholipase D activity of rat thymocytes

Objective Argan oil is receiving increasing attention due to its potential health benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular risk, but no information to date is available about its possible effect on immune cells and functions. Methods To address this issue male rats were fed one of five diets that contained fish oil, argan oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil for 4 wk. The fatty acid composition of plasma and thymocyte lipids was then analyzed in relation to the mitogen-induced proliferation and phospholipase D (PLD) activity of thymocytes. Results The 18:2ω-6 proportion in thymocyte phospholipids from rats fed argan oil was significantly lower than that observed in phospholipids from rats fed sunflower oil and fish oil but higher than that found in the olive oil and coconut oil groups. Further, a significant positive linear relation was found between thymocyte proliferation and the 18:2ω-6 proportion in thymocyte phospholipids, whatever the diet. The proliferation response of thymocytes to mitogenic activation was also inversely correlated to PLD activity measured in intact thymocytes. Subsequent western blotting experiments indicated that the diet-induced variations in PLD activity mainly reflected variations in the expression of PLD2 protein. Conclusions On the whole, the present study shows that the effects of argan oil on immune cells are very similar to those of olive oil, and that, as a consequence, argan oil can be used as a balanced dietary supply without marked adverse effects on immune cell function.