The effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiometabolic disorders remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Virgin coconut oil (VCO), rich in medium-chain triglycerides and phenolic compounds, has been proposed to confer metabolic benefits through lipid modulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant effects. However, clinical evidence on its efficacy is mixed. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of VCO on key cardiometabolic risk factors in adults. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in five database from inception to August 2025. RCTs assessing VCO supplementation in adults were included if they reported anthropometric indices, lipid profiles, glycemic markers, blood pressure, or inflammatory outcomes. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs with 1049 participants from 11 countries, with intervention durations ranging from 2 to 24 weeks, met inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses showed that VCO significantly reduced triglycerides (WMD: - 12.12 mg/dL; 95% CI: - 23.14 to - 1.09) and increased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: 7.91 mg/dL; 95% CI: 4.41 to 11.40). No significant changes were observed for other lipid markers, fasting blood sugar (FBS), anthropometric measures, blood pressure, or CRP. Subgroup analyses indicated greater TG reduction in short-term interventions (≤ 8 weeks) and among individuals with metabolic disorders, and a significant TC increase in participants under 50 years. Assessment of publication bias using funnel plots and Egger's test indicated no significant evidence of bias. CONCLUSIONS: VCO supplementation may improve specific lipid parameters, particularly TG and HDL-C, while showing limited effects on other cardiometabolic outcomes. Larger, longer-term trials are warranted to clarify its role in cardiometabolic risk management.