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Dietary supplement

Coconut Oil Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC SuperFoods

Softgel Capsule Category: Fat/fatty Acid
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Coconut Oil is a dietary supplement by GNC SuperFoods with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for skin and hair care, source of dietary fats (mcts), hydration with coconut water.Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are organic Coconut Oil. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Coconut Oil by GNC SuperFoods

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: organic coconut oil. It's the only component doing the work here; the rest are inactive ingredients (the gelatin capsule, glycerin, and caramel color) that help deliver it.

Coconut oil is the oil pressed from coconut meat and is used in supplements for various potential health roles, though evidence for most of them remains limited.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Coconut's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: natural source of medium chain triglycerides for energy.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, weight management, metabolic health.
  • The closest evidence on file: Coconut is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold on coconut oil doesn't yet support claims about diabetes, high cholesterol, or weight loss — all are rated as having insufficient reliable evidence. The same applies to its use for a skin condition called lichen planus.

That doesn't mean coconut oil can't help with these; it means the research isn't solid enough yet to say either way.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Coconut

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Coconut oil is generally well tolerated when eaten in normal food amounts. The main safety concern is allergic reaction — coconut can trigger hives, skin reactions, or in severe cases anaphylaxis, especially in people with tree nut sensitivity (coconut is grouped with tree nuts for allergen purposes in the US).

Most reactions occur from oral exposure, and about half of those involve anaphylaxis. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, coconut oil is rated as likely safe.

That said, avoid high-dose supplements unless your doctor has approved them, since concentrated supplement forms aren't as well studied as food amounts.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Coconut

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Coconut.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take antidiabetes drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product — coconut oil may theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar. If you have a tree nut allergy, avoid this supplement without medical clearance.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Coconut oil supplements are generally well tolerated, but they're not proven to treat diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or lichen planus based on current evidence. The main thing to watch is whether you have a tree nut allergy — allergic reactions are possible and can be serious.

If you take antidiabetes medication or have a coconut allergy, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Coconut Oil, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC SuperFoods
Barcode (UPC) 048107190255
Net contents 240 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 220056
Product type Fat/fatty Acid
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Coconut Oil by GNC SuperFoods, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
4 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
4 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
048107190255
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories35 Calorie(s)--
Cholesterol0 Gram(s)--
Total Fat4 Gram(s)5%
Saturated Fat4 Gram(s)20%
organic Coconut Oil4000 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Caramel color

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

GNC SuperFoods Coconut Oil is a natural source of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly absorbed by the body and used as energy. MCTs are hydrolyzed more rapidly and metabolized more completely than long chain fatty acids.

Coconut Oil Extra virgin Natural source of MCTs 1,000 mg of coconut oil per softgel

Formulation

Made with organic coconut oil and naturally free of trans fat, 100% cholesterol free and manufactured to cGMP standards.

Made with organic coconut oil and naturally free of trans fat, 100% cholesterol free and manufactured to cGMP standards.

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> for disintegration.

No sugar, no starch, no artificial flavors, sodium free, no wheat, gluten free, no corn, no soy, no dairy.

General Statements

60-Day supply

Typical fatty acid profile Fatty acid Average % Caprylic acid 5% Capric acid 4% Lauric acid 44% Myristic acid 13% Palmitic acid 6% Linoleic acid 0.5%

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As dietary supplement, take four softgels each day with food or water.

Precautions

Contains: Tree nuts (coconut).

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

See for yourself

Coconut Oil by GNC SuperFoods label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Coconut Oil by GNC SuperFoods

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size4 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Organic Coconut Oil

Interacts with
86 drugs
4000 mg per serving

Coconut is a nutritious tropical food enjoyed as oil, water, milk, and flesh, and it is generally safe to eat in normal food amounts. While some uses...

Organic Coconut Oil monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Caramel color. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Coconut Oil by GNC SuperFoods Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Coconut Oil?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
86Drugs
86 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Coconut Oil with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

organic Coconut Oil1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking coconut with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that coconut milk might increase insulin levels and/or decrease blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Coconut Oil, from the product label.

GNC SuperFoods

See all GNC SuperFoods products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Coconut Oil by GNC SuperFoods: Common Questions

Does Coconut Oil by GNC SuperFoods interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Coconut Oil has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Coconut Oil contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I have a nut allergy?
Coconut is grouped with tree nuts for allergen purposes, and allergic reactions to coconut — ranging from hives to serious anaphylaxis — are documented. If you have a tree nut allergy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.
Is coconut oil safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Yes, coconut oil is rated as likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. That said, the safety data applies to normal food amounts; high-dose supplements are less well studied, so mention this product to your doctor if you're pregnant or nursing.
Will this help me lose weight?
The evidence we hold on coconut oil for weight loss is insufficient — we can't say it works or doesn't based on current research. Talk to your doctor about whether it's a reasonable choice for your goals.
What are the most common side effects?
Coconut oil is generally well tolerated, and orally it's usually free of side effects. The main risk is allergic reaction in people sensitive to coconut, which can include hives or anaphylaxis.
Why does the label say to avoid high-dose supplements?
Coconut as food is fine, but concentrated supplement doses like this one aren't as well studied as normal amounts. Check with your doctor before starting a high-dose coconut supplement unless they've already approved it.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Coconut Oil is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Coconut Oil label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Coconut Oil's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 10 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Coconut 10 references
  1. Teuber SS, Peterson WR. Systemic allergic reaction to coconut (Cocos nucifera) in 2 subjects with hypersensitivity to tree nut and demonstration of cross-reactivity to legumin-like seed storage proteins: new coconut and walnut food allergens. J Allergy Cl PubMed
  2. Rosado A, Fernandez-Rivas M, Gonzalez-Mancebo E, et al. Anaphylaxis to coconut. Allergy 2002;57(2):182-3. PubMed
  3. Karmakar PR, Das A, Chatterjee BP. Placebo-controlled immunotherapy with Cocos nucifera pollen extract. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 1994;103(2):194-201. PubMed
  4. Anagnostou K. Coconut Allergy Revisited. Children (Basel). 2017;4(10). pii: E85. PubMed
  5. Cifuentes L, Mistrello G, Amato S, et al. Identification of cross-reactivity between buckwheat and coconut. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2015;115(6):530-2. PubMed
  6. Michavila Gomez A, Amat Bou M, Gonzalez Cortés MV, Segura Navas L, Moreno Palanques MA, Bartolomé B. Coconut anaphylaxis: Case report and review. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2015;43(2):219-20. PubMed
  7. 21CFR170.3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Department of Health and Human Services. Updated April 1, 2017. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=170.3
  8. Alatawi KA, Alshubaily FA. Coconut products alleviate hyperglycaemic, hyperlipidimic and nephropathy indices in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wistar rats. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021;28(8):4224-4231. PubMed
  9. Kruse L, Lor J, Yousif R, Pongracic JA, Fishbein AB. Coconut allergy: Characteristics of reactions and diagnostic predictors in a pediatric tertiary care center. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2021;126(5):562-568.
  10. Pathmanandavel K, Kaur N, Joshi P, Ford LS. Anaphylaxis and allergy to coconut: An Australian pediatric case series. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2020;8(10):3657-3659. PubMed

See these in context on the Coconut monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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