Also indexed as: Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Oil, Tropical Oils
Coconut oil is a member of the family of tropical oils, which also include palm, palm
kernel, cocoa, and shea nut oils. These oils have been used for centuries in the traditional
diets of people living in tropical regions such as the Polynesian islands. Because these
populations experience less of the diseases, such as heart disease, that are common in Western countries,
some people believe that tropical oils such as coconut oil, especially in their natural state,
can be part of a healthful diet.1
2 Currently, these oils are used in Western countries in small amounts, primarily
in the production of processed foods.
Where is it found?
Coconut oil may be found in many types of processed foods, including fried foods, crackers,
desserts, candies, whipped topping, and non-dairy creamers. It is also available in some
grocery stores for use in cooking.
Who is likely to be deficient?
There is no human requirement for coconut oil or the shorter-length fatty acids it
contains, so no deficiency is possible.
How much is usually taken?
The traditional diets of Pacific Islanders contains several grams per day or more of lauric
acid from coconut products, which would require at least one tablespoon per day of coconut
oil. Research has not established a recommended intake for coconut oil.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Serious allergic reactions to coconut or coconut oil have been reported but are considered
rare.3 4 5
People using large amounts of coconut oil in their diet should have their blood cholesterol
levels checked regularly.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with coconut oil.
References:1. Prior IA, Davidson F, Salmond CE, Czochanska Z. Cholesterol, coconuts,
and diet on Polynesian atolls: a natural experiment: the Pukapuka and Tokelau island studies.
Am J Clin Nutr 1981;34:1552–61.
2. Kaunitz H, Dayrit CS. Coconut oil consumption and coronary heart
disease. Philippine J Intern Med 1992;30:165–71 [review].
3. Rosado A, Fernandez-Rivas M, Gonzalez-Mancebo E, et al. Anaphylaxis to
coconut. Allergy 2002;57:182–3.
4. Teuber SS, Peterson WR. Systemic allergic reaction to coconut (Cocos
nucifera) in 2 subjects with hypersensitivity to tree nut and demonstration of
cross-reactivity to legumin-like seed storage proteins: new coconut and walnut food allergens.
J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:1180–5.
5. Couturier P, Basset-Stheme D, Navette N, Sainte-Laudy J. A case of
coconut oil allergy in an infant: responsibility of "maternalized" infant formulas. Allerg
Immunol (Paris) 1994;26:386–7 [in French].