Effects of Corn and Coconut Oils on Lipoprotein Lipids, Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammation

This is a randomized, crossover, pilot study that includes two screening visits and two 4-week test periods, separated by a 3-week washout. Subjects will consume study products providing 4 tablespoons oil/day of either corn oil or coconut oil replacing the same amount of oil in the background diet. Subjects will otherwise be encouraged to follow their habitual diet during both treatment periods. They will receive diet instructions on the incorporation of food substitutions during the test periods to maintain habitual energy intake. Subjects will record daily study product intake and compliance in a Daily Log. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) will be completed at baseline and the end of each treatment period for evaluation of insulin sensitivity. Fasting blood samples will be collected for lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measurements at all visits. Assessments of vital signs and body weight, review of concomitant medication/supplement use and inclusion and exclusion criteria for relevant changes, and evaluation of adverse effects will be performed throughout the study. Compliance will be assessed using the Daily Log intake percentages as the primary source.