Ameliorating Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Nicotine Dependence and Quality of Life in Smokers

Abstract

Background: Safer and effective alternatives to manage nicotine dependence are still required. Preliminary studies have shown the potential of virgin coconut oil (VCO) to be used in dependence treatment. Objective: to assess the VCO effect administered for 14 days on nicotine dependence and quality of life. Methods: Forty smoking subjects participated in an open-label, single-center, pre/post-intervention study, and were required to take 15 ml VCO twice daily for 14 days. They were evaluated with the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) for nicotine dependence intensity and EuroQol-visual analogue scales (EQ VAS) for quality of life. Results: The VCO regimen improved FTND (0.53 points decrease, p<0.05) and EQ-VAS (5.85 points increase p<0.01) scores. Adverse events were all mild. Conclusion: Results of the present study suggest that VCO has the potential to be a safe and effective adjunct therapy for the management of nicotine dependence.