Can Coconut Oil Increase Triglycerides?
Yes, coconut oil can increase triglyceride levels, particularly highly processed coconut oil, though the effect varies based on the type of coconut oil and individual metabolic factors. 1, 2
Types of Coconut Oil and Their Effects on Lipids
- Virgin coconut oil (minimally processed) has different effects than refined, bleached, and deodorized coconut oil on lipid profiles 1
- Highly processed coconut oil has been shown to raise serum cholesterol in rodent studies, while virgin coconut oil does not have the same effect 1
- Processing methods create contaminants like glycidyl and monochloropropandiol (MCPD) esters that may be responsible for some of the adverse metabolic effects rather than the saturated fat content alone 1
Coconut Oil's Impact on Blood Lipids
- Coconut oil consumption significantly increases total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to most vegetable oils, though results are mixed regarding triglycerides 2
- When compared to other oils, coconut oil's effect on triglycerides is variable, with some studies showing no significant effects on triglyceride levels 3, 2
- In a meta-analysis, coconut oil did not significantly affect triglycerides (4.25 mg/dL; 95% CI, -0.49-8.99, p = 0.08) when compared with control groups 2
- However, the American Heart Association includes coconut oil among foods high in saturated fats that should be limited in patients with hypertriglyceridemia 1
Saturated Fat Content and Triglycerides
- Coconut oil is high in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), with a higher proportion of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) than other oils 4
- Despite marketing claims, the clinical benefits of commercial MCT oils cannot be generalized to coconut oil 4
- The American College of Cardiology recommends that patients with hypertriglyceridemia should reduce consumption of foods high in saturated fats, including coconut oil 1
- For individuals with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, dietary recommendations include limiting foods high in saturated fats like coconut oil and tropical oils 1, 5
Dietary Recommendations for Triglyceride Management
- For patients with hypertriglyceridemia, the American College of Cardiology recommends maintaining a very low-fat diet (<15% of calories from fat) 5
- Individuals with triglycerides ≥500 mg/dL should restrict total fat to 20-25% of total daily calories 1
- The American Heart Association recommends limiting intake of foods high in saturated fats, including coconut oil, for individuals with elevated triglycerides 1
- Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats rather than carbohydrates is recommended for better lipid profiles 1
Individual Variation and Processing Methods
- The effect of coconut oil on lipid profiles may vary based on individual metabolic factors and the form of coconut oil consumed 1
- Virgin coconut oil has been shown to have different effects than highly processed coconut oil, with some studies showing it does not raise LDL cholesterol compared to olive oil 6
- In one randomized trial, coconut oil increased HDL-C compared to butter and olive oil but did not significantly differ from olive oil for non-HDL-C 6
- The processing methods of coconut oil significantly affect its metabolic impact, with increasing processing associated with more adverse effects on cholesterol metabolism 1
Clinical Recommendations
- For patients with elevated triglycerides or at risk for cardiovascular disease, coconut oil should be considered as a saturated fat and its consumption should not exceed 10% of total calorie intake 4
- Patients with hypertriglyceridemia should be screened for consumption of foods high in saturated fats, including coconut oil 1
- When counseling patients about dietary fats, clinicians should consider the processing method of coconut oil, as virgin coconut oil may have different effects than highly processed versions 1
- For patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, replacing coconut oil with unsaturated plant oils like olive oil may be beneficial 1