Supplementation of energy-restricted diets with coconut oil improves nitrogen balance without elevation of blood cholesterol levels

Thirty-six growing male rats were fed 1 of 6 diets for 4 wk: (1) semipurifi ed basal diet (B) with 10% corn oil, 21.6% fat calories (FC), 14 gB diet/da y; (2) B + 1 g of coconut oil (32% FC); (3) B + 1 g olive oil; (4) B + 1 g corn oil; (5) B + 2.25 g starch (18.7% FC); and (6) B + 2 g coconut oil (40 % FC). Weight gain and nitrogen balance were higher (p < 0.;05) for supplem ented diet groups. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not diffe rent (p > 0.05). It may be suggested that under restricted energy intake co nditions (67% to 75% of the requirements) a high-fat diet (32% to 40% fat c alories), including a diet rich in highly saturated coconut oil, can serve as a source of energy and contribute to improved nitrogen balance, without elevating blood cholesterol levels.