National News

DOST Study Shows Effects of VCO to Probable COVID Patients



In the Facebook post of Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Fortunato de la Peña, through the study of the agency which is the “Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil among Suspect and Probable Cases of COVID-19” the effects of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) given to suspect and probable coronavirus cases in an isolation unit was evaluated.

Location of the Study

The DOST study was conducted in the following locations:
  • Sta. Rosa Community Hospital Isolation Unit
  • Santa Rosa Community Isolation Unit

Two Groups in the DOST Study

In the study, the involved suspect or probable coronavirus cases is 57 which are randomly assigned to two groups and the intervention lasted for 28 days.

Here are the two groups:

Intervention or VCO Group

  • In this group 29 received VCO mixed in standard meals based on FNRI-developed recipes.
  • VCO Group has recovered from infection or inflammation approximately 14 days after being subjected to the intervention.
  • Conclusion: Symptoms in the VCO Group significantly declined on Day 2 and no symptoms were observed on Day 18

Control Group

  • 28 from the Control Group received the same standard meals without VCO.
  • Conclusion: Control Group showed diminishing symptoms on Day 3 and no symptoms only on Day 23.

Results of VCO Study

As the effects of VCO to suspect and probable cases in isolation units were evaluated, here are the results:

  • VCO could be used as an adjunct supplement to probable and suspect coronavirus cases.
  • VCO could prevent probable and suspect case coronavirus cases from becoming severe.

Furthermore, in a virtual presser, DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara stated “…..that further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of VCO as an adjunct therapy for Covid-19 patients and with other co-morbidities.”

Also, study leader Imelda Agdeppa stated according to Philippine News Agency that “VCO is not a cure, but just an adjunct therapy that can prevent Covid-19 from becoming severe.”

Another VCO Study

In addition to the study conducted in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, another VCO study will be made in Valenzuela City.
Furthermore, in de la Peña’s post, it is stated that they will ask the Department of Health (DOH) through Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire and other study partners to comment on the VCO study results.

Statement of Sec. de la Peña on VCO

” Virgin coconut oil or VCO has been reported in several scientific studies to have antiviral activities against several viruses, like in the research of Dr. Dayrit of the Ateneo de Manila among HIV patients.

These studies suggest that VCO may be an affordable and readily available supplement to help minimize the symptom caused by these viruses, thereby preventing severity of the illnesses.

VCO could prevent probable and suspect case COVID-19 cases from becoming severe. However, more studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of VCO as adjunct therapy for COVID-19 patients and with other co-morbidities.”

Source: DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña Facebook Page, PNA

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