Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO)


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Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconut harvested from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera).  Throughout the tropical world it has provided the primary source of fat in the diets of millions of people for generations. It has various applications in food, medicine, and industry. Coconut oil is very heat stable so it makes an excellent cooking and frying oil. It has a smoke point of about 360°F (180°C). Because of its stability it is slow to oxidize and thus resistant to rancidity, lasting up to two years due to high saturated fat content. Coconut Oil is normally a solid, but Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO) is a liquid.


What is FCO?
Coconut oil has both long-chain and medium-chain fatty acids, but is made up mainly of the medium-chain fatty acids. The long-chain fatty acids can be removed, and what is left is considered Fractionated Coconut oil or FCO. These medium chain fatty acids, in the FCO, are considered the closest substance to human sub-cutaneous fat and therefore more compatible with skin than vegetable oils. This allows the FCO to penetrate the skin easier and faster. FCO is also considered a very clean oil with no irritants as found with unrefined oils, and is rancid resistant.

What are the benefits of FCO?
One of the benefits of Fractionated Coconut oil is that its medium chain fatty acids kill bacteria, viruses, retroviruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites. It is the medium chain fatty acids, in FCO, that destroy the fatty outer membrane of “lipid coated,” or fat coated, microorganisms. Lipid coated microorganisms can not develop a resistance to this kind of attack, from the medium chain fatty acids. In fact, FCO can kill bacteria that are resistant to pharmaceutical antibiotics. In addition, fractionating the coconut oil raises the comparative concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, thus giving it a more anti oxidant and disinfecting edge.

What Research has been done on FCO?
According to Texas DSHS, Fractionated Coconut oil is used in special diets and sold as a dietary supplement, because it doesn’t require bile salts or the enzyme called lipase, which is primarily produced by your pancreas, for digestion or absorption. FCO is used in hospitals to treat malabsorption syndrome and to improve mineral absorption as well as protein and fat metabolism. It is also used in baby formulas to nourish premature infants, according to Fife. A 2007 study in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that FCO can help children who suffer from chronic diarrhea, says lead author Celeste C. Tanchoco. The study found that it may shorten the time frame of needed treatment and help the kids gain weight without leading to fat intolerance, vomiting or dehydration. 

What to do with FCO?
Fractionated Coconut Oil offers a perfect carrier oil for Essential Oils because of its ability to penetrate the skin easily; allowing for a light, non-greasy massage oil. Also, FCO does not have a strong scent, allowing the aroma of Essential Oils to do their job on an Aromatherapy level. Add 15-20 drops Essential Oil to 1/2oz FCO for a great Massage Oil. Use 1oz FCO when diluting mints or spices.

Fractionated Coconut Oil, 16 oz

Fractionated Coconut Oil