It is common for breastfeeding parents to worry about their milk supply and seek out natural ways to boost production. Coconut oil is frequently suggested as a potential solution, often alongside other foods traditionally believed to increase lactation. While coconut oil is a healthy dietary fat, the question of whether it directly increases the volume of breast milk, a galactagogue effect, requires a closer look at its chemical components and the available scientific evidence.
Nutritional Components of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is primarily composed of saturated fats, but its unique structure sets it apart from many other dietary fats. A significant portion of its composition is Medium-Chain Triglycerides, or MCTs, which are fatty acids with shorter carbon chains. These MCTs are metabolized differently by the body compared to longer-chain fats, being quickly absorbed and transported directly to the liver for energy.
The most abundant MCT in coconut oil is lauric acid (45% to 53% of its content). Lauric acid is also naturally present in human breast milk, although at lower baseline levels. Other related MCTs include capric acid and caprylic acid. The presence of these specific medium-chain fatty acids drives the interest in coconut oil for lactation.
Evidence for Increasing Milk Supply
The claim that coconut oil acts as a direct galactagogue to increase the volume of milk is not widely supported by high-quality clinical evidence. Many sources caution that there are no definitive scientific studies demonstrating a direct link between coconut oil consumption and a substantial boost in total milk supply. The primary mechanism for increasing milk volume remains frequent and effective milk removal from the breast.
Some smaller studies, primarily conducted in Southeast Asian regions where coconut is a dietary staple, have suggested a possible link between Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) consumption and increased milk volume. For example, one study reported that mothers consuming VCO had a 10.62% higher milk volume compared to a control group over a five-week period. Another trial observed both a higher level of the milk-producing hormone prolactin and a higher average milk production in mothers given VCO.
These findings often point to a potential secondary effect, suggesting that VCO’s anti-analgesic properties may induce a relaxation response, which could indirectly support milk secretion. However, such studies are often limited in size and scope. The current scientific consensus does not yet confirm coconut oil as a consistently reliable strategy for boosting milk production.
Impact on Milk Quality and Safe Usage
While the effect on milk volume is debated, coconut oil consumption undeniably influences breast milk composition. When a mother ingests coconut oil, the lauric acid and capric acid content in her breast milk significantly increases. Within hours of consumption, the concentration of lauric acid in milk can increase substantially, sometimes tripling the baseline level for one to three days.
This change in the fatty acid profile enhances the milk’s protective qualities. Lauric acid converts in the body to monolaurin, a compound known for its strong antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. By enriching the milk with these medium-chain fatty acids, the mother passes on increased antimicrobial protection to the nursing infant, which may help the baby fight off various pathogens.
For safe consumption, mothers can incorporate two to four tablespoons of coconut oil into their daily diet. This amount is typically added to food, smoothies, or taken directly to achieve the beneficial shift in milk fat composition. It is recommended to choose organic, unrefined, or virgin coconut oil, as these varieties retain more beneficial components like antioxidants.
Coconut oil is also safe for topical use, which is a common practice for breastfeeding comfort. Applying a small amount to the nipples after feeding can help soothe dryness or minor damage because of its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. It is generally safe for the baby to ingest the small amount applied topically, and it does not typically need to be washed off before the next feeding.