Virgin Coconut Oil  supplementation may improve Lipid Profile and Cardiometabolic Risk: Study

Dr. Shravani Dali

Virgin Coconut Oil supplementation may improve Lipid Profile and Cardiometabolic Risk: Study

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2025-12-29T09:00:54+05:30 | Updated On 29 Dec 2025 12:13 PM IST

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) supplementation may improve certain lipid parameters, especially triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), but shows limited impact on other cardiometabolic outcomes. Larger, long-term clinical trials are needed to better define its role in cardiometabolic risk management.

Cardiometabolic disorders remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Virgin coconut oil (VCO), rich in medium-chain triglycerides and phenolic compounds, has been proposed to confer metabolic benefits through lipid modulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant effects. However, clinical evidence on its efficacy is mixed. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of VCO on key cardiometabolic risk factors in adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in five database from inception to August 2025. RCTs assessing VCO supplementation in adults were included if they reported anthropometric indices, lipid profiles, glycemic markers, blood pressure, or inflammatory outcomes. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results: Fourteen RCTs with 1049 participants from 11 countries, with intervention durations ranging from 2 to 24 weeks, met inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses showed that VCO significantly reduced triglycerides (WMD: − 12.12 mg/dL; 95% CI: − 23.14 to − 1.09) and increased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: 7.91 mg/dL; 95% CI: 4.41 to 11.40). No significant changes were observed for other lipid markers, fasting blood sugar (FBS), anthropometric measures, blood pressure, or CRP. Subgroup analyses indicated greater TG reduction in short-term interventions (≤ 8 weeks) and among individuals with metabolic disorders, and a significant TC increase in participants under 50 years. Assessment of publication bias using funnel plots and Egger’s test indicated no significant evidence of bias.

VCO supplementation may improve specific lipid parameters, particularly TG and HDL-C, while showing limited effects on other cardiometabolic outcomes. Larger, longer-term trials are warranted to clarify its role in cardiometabolic risk management.

Reference:

Zhang, Y., Wang, Y., Li, L. et al. The effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetol Metab Syndr 17, 456 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-025-02019-6

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Source : Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751