Coconut oil

There is concern over a new trend involving bodybuilders injecting natural oils to help them gain muscle.

The concern comes after the British Medical Journal Case Reports journal late-last week published a case study of a 25-year-old man who was hospitalised after injecting coconut oil. He experienced pain and loss function in his arm over several months. An ultrasound showed he raptured his triceps and developed multiple cysts in his arm muscles.

Along with injecting coconut oil, he was also using non-prescribed insulin, vitamin B12, steroids and protein supplements.

The British Medical Journal said while steroid use amongst bodybuilders is well known, using other materials such as sesame oil, walnut oil and paraffin can be used. The journal said the oils are often considered less costly and are well known among Arab and Middle Eastern communities. There is however not much medical literature on the matter.

“The few cases of natural oil self-inoculation formally reported are likely to be the tip of the iceberg,” explain the doctors.

“We need to be aware of these cases to enable correct clinical diagnoses and also to recognise other self-abusive and potentially life-threatening practices which may be seen in conjunction,” the doctors said.

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