Consumption of virgin coconut oil in Wistar rats increases saturated fatty acids in the liver and adipose tissue, as well as adipose tissue inflammation

The recommended amount of intake of virgin coconut oil (VCO) for health benefits has not been defined. This study aims to evaluate the effects of partial dietary substitution of lipid source by VCO in the health of Wistar rats. The animals were divided as: G1, 100% of soybean oil; G2, 10.4% of VCO; G3, 50% of VCO; and G4, 95% of VCO. Weight and body measurements were not affected by substitution, as well as morphometry of adipocytes, food intake and hepatic expression of PPAR-a and CPT-1 genes. VCO consumption affected the serum lipid profile in a dose-dependent way, just like the tissue incorporation of saturated fatty acids, the inflammation in adipose tissue, and the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Since, it was not possible to establish the best dose of VCO to be consumed, the current recommendations for the consumption of satured fatty acids should be followed.