The Glucose-Lowering Effects of Coconut Oil: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Joint Authors
Malaeb, Samar
Spoke, Christopher
Source
Issue
Vol. 2020, Issue 2020 (31 Dec. 2020), pp.1-6, 6 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2020-12-28
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
6
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Coconut oil, a saturated fat comprised mostly of the medium-chain fatty acid, lauric acid, has become increasingly popular over the past few decades due to its touted anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and lipid-lowering properties.
There have been many studies with mixed results evaluating the effects of coconut oil consumption on lipid metabolism and cardiometabolic risk.
However, the effects on glucose metabolism are less clear.
There are few trials on the effects of coconut oil on glucose homeostasis but no case reports prior to the current one.
Case.
We present a case of a 66-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes managed with insulin who developed recurrent hypoglycemia and required reduction in insulin therapy quickly after consuming coconut oil supplementation.
Conclusion.
This is the first known case report of coconut oil supplementation in a diabetic patient on insulin resulting in hypoglycemia.
Review of the literature shows that coconut oil supplementation can have a favorable effect on glycemic control, possibly through phenolic compounds mediating anti-inflammatory effects.
This effect is inconsistent throughout the studies reviewed, likely due to variations in types of coconut oil supplementation and scarcity of trials.
Further research is required both in animal models and in humans before coconut oil intake is widely advised and popularized.
This is especially true in patients with diabetes, who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and in whom reduction in saturated fat intake is advised.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Malaeb, Samar& Spoke, Christopher. 2020. The Glucose-Lowering Effects of Coconut Oil: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Case Reports in Endocrinology،Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1147116
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Malaeb, Samar& Spoke, Christopher. The Glucose-Lowering Effects of Coconut Oil: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Case Reports in Endocrinology No. 2020 (2020), pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1147116
American Medical Association (AMA)
Malaeb, Samar& Spoke, Christopher. The Glucose-Lowering Effects of Coconut Oil: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Case Reports in Endocrinology. 2020. Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1147116
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1147116