VIRGIN COCONUT OIL INGESTION IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS AS PROPHYLACTIC AGAINST INFLAMMATORY DISEASES LIKE COVID-19

Dr. Sanjay Tamoli, Vaibhav Kaushik*, Kamini Gohil, Vaishali Gode and Sudhakar Mhaskar

ABSTRACT

Inflammation related pathogeneis is on rise given the modern-day lifestyle and dietary choices. The present exploratory study is aimed at evaluating the effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) ingestion by healthy subjects on inflammation related biomarkers and health conditions. 60-day pilot study was conducted on healthy Indian subjects with ingestion of 30 ml/day VCO (post meals) for a period of 2 months. Significant reduction in C-Reactive Protein levels from baseline and IL-6 levels from control group were recorded. The inflammation reduction effect was further substantiated with lower incidences for common infections (physician observation) & improvement in pain related conditions (self-assessment scale). In order to propose VCO as nutraceutical in controlling inflammation related pathogenesis, more elaborate studies – with larger sample size and diverse population set – need to be conducted.

Keywords: Virgin Coconut Oil; Inflammation; C-Reactive Protein; Nutraceutical.