Coronavirus & Virgin Coconut Oil

A recent article on the CNN Philippines website called “Coconut oil eyed as a possible treatment for coronavirus infection” raises some interesting questions about the benefits of Coconut Oil.

You can read the article here.
https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/2/25/coconut-oil-cure-for-novel-coronavirus.html

You have to be very careful when evaluating such articles, especially when there is a lot of global news about the COVID-19 and Coronavirus, and some of it is sensational and poorly researched.

Without going into detail, the basis for the article is that Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) contains Lauric acid (C12) and monolaurin, its derivative, which do have antiviral activity. The research article CNN quotes can be found here:
http://ateneo.edu/ls/sose/sose/news/research/potential-coconut-oil-and-its-derivatives-effective-and-safe-antiviral

However, digging a little deeper we found some further information from Healthline which gives more perspective on VCO, Lauric acid (C12) and monolaurin.

https://www.healthline.com/health/monolaurin

“Coconut oil and certain coconut products contain approximately 50% Lauric acid. Monolaurin is many times more effective than lauric acid at killing viruses and bacteria; however, researchers aren’t sure exactly how it’s formed in the human body.
Lauric acid can be ingested in coconut oil and your body will convert it into monolaurin, but researchers are unsure of the conversion rates. Because of this, it’s impossible to say how much coconut oil you would need to ingest to receive a therapeutic dose of monolaurin.”

So, Yes there is a possibility that monolaurin, derived from Lauric Acid, found in high percentages in Virgin Coconut Oil could be used again COVID-19, but it still very early to draw any conclusions.

Best Advice is washing your hands 5- 10 times a day and ensure you take all precautions given out by your local health professionals, and Governments.