The Department of Science and Technology revealed that they have seen positive results on a study conducted to test the effectiveness of virgin coconut oil as a supplement for COVID-19 probable and suspected cases.
DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said in an online briefing that 58 quarantined individuals in Laguna were divided into two groups. One group was given food with VCO, while the other group was served without VCO.
The group who had been given VCO mixed in standard meals for 28 days showed significant and faster improvement compared to those who were served food without VCO.
“The results of the VCO study showed that five of the 29 patients in the VCO group manifested diminishing signs and symptoms as early as the second day while only one from the control group showed similar improvement,” Dela Peña said.
COVID-19 symptoms were no longer present on the 18th day for those who were taking VCO while the other group still manifested coronavirus signs on day 23.
“VCO could be used as an adjunct supplement to probable and suspect COVID-19 cases. It could prevent COVID-19 cases of becoming severe,” Dela Pena said.
The DOST said that further studies are still needed to make sure that VCO can be an effective treatment and supplement against COVID-19.
