Effect Of Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil Massage On Postnatal Weight Gain In Term And Late Preterm Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Topical oil massage is a traditional neonatal care practice. While both coconut oil and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil have shown individual benefits, no prior randomized controlled trial has compared their efficacy in Indian neonates. Objective: To evaluate the comparative effects of MCT oil versus coconut oil massage on postnatal weight gain in term and late preterm neonates over eight weeks in Indian settings. Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted among term and late preterm neonates at a single center. Participants were randomized to receive daily massages with either MCT oil or coconut oil for eight weeks. The primary outcome was weight gain from baseline to week 8. Results: A total of 200 neonates (term and late preterm) were randomized to receive daily body massage using either MCT oil (n=105) or coconut oil (n=95). Both groups showed progressive weight gain; however, the MCT group showed significantly greater mean weight gain from week 3 onwards. At week 6, the MCT group had a mean weight of 4.82 kg vs. 4.58 kg in the coconut oil group (p<0.001; Cohen’s d=0.81). Adjusted weight gain from week 2 to week 8 was also significantly higher in the MCT group (1.39 kg vs. 1.26 kg, p=0.006). Subgroup analysis showed that late preterm neonates in the MCT group also experienced significantly greater weight gain, with the largest effect observed at week 6 (Cohen’s d=0.82). No serious adverse events were reported. Compliance exceeded 90% in both groups. Conclusion: MCT oil massage significantly enhances weight gain in neonates and may be considered a safe, effective, and culturally acceptable strategy in newborn care protocols