Effect of different forms of coconut on the lipid profile in normal free-living healthy subjects: A randomized controlled trial (Phase II).

BACKGROUND: It has been postulated that the lipid effects of coconut could be mediated by its fatty acids, fiber and lysine/arginine ratio. Hence, the lipid effects of coconut oil could be different from the effects of the kernel flakes or milk extract because the constituents could be different in each coconut preparation. The present research investigated the lipid effects of different modes of coconut used in food preparation.

METHODS: This study involved a total of 190 participants, randomized into four groups, which received coconut oil supplement (30 ml) ( n  = 53), kernel flakes (30 g) ( n  = 52) or coconut milk powder (30 g) ( n  = 44) for a period of 8 weeks. The control group ( n  = 41) received no supplement. Lipid assays were performed at baseline and at the end of the 4th and 8th weeks. The generalized estimating equations (GEE), ANOVA, and paired and independent t- tests were used in the analysis.

RESULT: The age range of the participants was 25-60 years, and 52.6% of them ( n  = 100) were men. Coconut milk supplementation induced beneficial changes in the lipid profile in that the LDL and non-HDL levels decreased while the HDL levels increased. The subgroup whose baseline LDL level was elevated appeared to benefit most from coconut milk supplementation. Coconut oil and kernel flakes failed to induce favorable lipid changes comparable to coconut milk supplementation.

CONCLUSION: Differing concentrations of protein, fat and fiber in coconut preparations could possibly explain the dissimilar effects on the lipid profile caused by the different coconut preparations. The benefits of coconut milk seen in the high basal LDL subgroup warrant a detailed study.