Dose-Response Effects of Coconut Oil on Glycemic Control: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.30476/ijns.2026.110915.1653

Abstract

Background: Previous meta-analyses have not examined intake thresholds for coconut oil’s effect on glycemic markers. This study addressed that gap by investigating the non-linear relationship between coconut oil consumption and fasting glucose and insulin levels.
Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CENTRAL, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published through August 2025. Eligible studies examined coconut oil’s effect on glycemic markers in adults over at least two weeks. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model, followed by subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Distinct from prior reviews, a restricted cubic spline model was applied to evaluate dose-response patterns.
Results: Twelve RCTs with 518 participants were included. Coconut oil intake showed a modest but significant increase in fasting plasma glucose [mean difference (MD): 3.18 mg/dL; 95%CI: 0.22-6.13; I²=90.8%; n=11]. No significant effect was observed on serum insulin (MD: 0.17 µIU/mL; 95%CI: −2.28-2.63; I²=89.1%; n=5). The dose-response analysis revealed a non-linear trend, indicating that moderate consumption of 30-50 grams per day may attenuate glucose elevations compared to lower doses, a novel finding highlighting the need for dosage-specific guidelines (p for non-linearity=0.533).
Conclusion: Coconut oil appears to exert a modest effect on fasting glucose, with minimal impact on insulin. The observed non-linear dose-response suggests that moderate intake may offer a more favorable glycemic profile. Further high-quality trials are needed to clarify optimal dosing and clinical relevance.

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