Is Coconut Oil Antibacterial? Exploring the Evidence for Infection-Fighting

Exploring the Antibacterial Properties of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has become an increasingly popular health and beauty product in recent years. Supporters claim coconut oil offers a wide array of benefits, from strengthening hair to improving skin conditions to aiding weight loss. But one of the most intriguing properties attributed to coconut oil is its supposed antibacterial effects.

In this article, we’ll take a science-based look at the evidence around coconut oil and antibacterial activity. We’ll explore how coconut oil interacts with bacteria, review research on infection prevention, and provide tips for safe usage.

Composition of Coconut Oil

To understand if and how coconut oil impacts bacteria, it helps to first understand what gives coconut oil its unique composition. Coconut oil consists almost entirely of saturated fats, making it solid at room temperature.

The main saturated fat is lauric acid, comprising nearly 50% of coconut oil. When lauric acid enters the body, it forms a substance called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin are known for their antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

Caprylic acid and capric acid are two other saturated fats found in smaller amounts within coconut oil that also exhibit antimicrobial effects.

Evidence for Antibacterial Mechanisms

Studies shed light on how the fatty acids in coconut oil interact with bacteria. Research shows lauric acid, monolaurin, and related coconut derivatives:

• Disrupt bacterial cell membranes
• Interfere with energy production in pathogens
• Block viruses from binding and entering host cells
• Reduce bacterial colony growth
• Have direct killing activity against lipid-coated bacteria

Evidence indicates these medium chain fatty acids have antibacterial action against several common infection-causing pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Helicobacter pylori, and Candida albicans.

Coconut oil’s antiviral effects are also documented against viruses like influenza, HIV, and herpes. Overall, the fatty acid composition gives coconut oil broad antimicrobial potential.

Studies on Infection Prevention

But does the antimicrobial activity seen in lab tests translate to real world infection prevention and treatment in humans?

So far, evidence in humans remains limited. Most studies involve very small samples or rely on anecdotal reports. However, early research suggests coconut oil may offer benefits for the following conditions.

Skin Infections

Applying coconut oil directly to the skin could reduce the risk of infection for:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Contact dermatitis
• Skin wounds
• Burns
• Cuts and abrasions

Coconut oil improved skin barrier integrity and moisture while exhibiting antimicrobial properties in laboratory tests. This indicates potential to treat and prevent common skin infections. More clinical studies in humans are needed.

Dental Health

Coconut oil pulling may decrease oral bacteria levels and plaque buildup. Small studies show daily oil pulling reduces bad breath, gingivitis, and plaque as well as prescription antibacterial mouthwash.

But more extensive research is required to confirm effects on dental infections, cavities, and periodontal disease.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A few small studies suggest coconut oil may help prevent UTIs. Women with frequent UTIs who used coconut oil internally and externally experienced longer periods between infections.

Coconut oil also decreased UTI symptoms compared to antibiotics in the elderly. Lauric acid is thought to inhibit UTI-causing bacteria like E. coli in the urinary tract.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Early test tube research found monolaurin able to inactivate herpes and HIV viruses. But human trials are needed to know if coconut oil prevents STDs when used topically.

There are anecdotal accounts of coconut oil reducing herpes outbreaks. But more research is required before applying coconut oil vaginally or orally to prevent STDs.

Other Potential Health Benefits

Beyond antibacterial properties, some research shows coconut oil may offer additional health benefits, such as:

• Controlling blood glucose in diabetes
• Increasing HDL cholesterol
• Promoting satiety and weight loss
• Moisturizing skin and hair
• Treating yeast infections
• Speeding wound healing
• Improving dental health
• Boosting immunity

However, the extent of these benefits in humans is debated. More extensive, high-quality studies in people are needed across all potential health applications.

Antibacterial Precautions with Coconut Oil

While coconut oil appears to offer antibacterial properties, there are some important precautions to keep in mind.

• Always consult your doctor before using coconut oil to treat any specific condition.
• Perform a patch test before applying coconut oil to skin to check for allergies.
• Avoid applying coconut oil to broken or damaged skin.
• Do not ingest extremely large amounts of coconut oil in a short period.
• Be aware of possible medication interactions if taking coconut oil internally.
• Use caution cooking with coconut oil at high heat levels.
• Check with your dentist before oil pulling, especially if you have fillings.
• Purchase high-quality coconut oil labeled “organic” and “unrefined.”

Coconut oil is not a cure-all and is not well studied for many conditions. But when used responsibly, it may provide antibacterial benefits along with other health effects.

The Takeaway: A Potentially Useful but Unproven Antibacterial Agent

Coconut oil contains unique medium chain fatty acids like lauric acid and caprylic acid that demonstrate antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity in lab research.

Early human studies report benefits for skin wellness, oral health, UTIs, and other conditions. But extensive clinical research is lacking.

Coconut oil appears to be a generally healthy food with promising antimicrobial properties. But more research is needed to confirm efficacy against infections.

Talk to your healthcare provider before using coconut oil to treat any specific health condition. While coconut oil may one day prove to be a versatile antibacterial agent, keep in mind the current evidence has limitations.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.