Medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT oil) is a type of dietary supplement that is rich in medium-chain triglycerides. This is a type of fat that is considered healthier than other types of fat due to its shorter length. Triglycerides are the main components of body fat in humans and other animals, as well as plant fat. They are also present in the bloodstream to enable the reverse transfer of fat and blood sugar from the liver.
What is MCT oil?
Medium chain triglycerides are so called because they contain between 6 and 12 carbon atoms, which is considered the "medium" length for a fatty acid . The four types of MCTs are:
- Capronsäure,
- Caprylsäure,
- Caprinsäure,
- and lauric acid
MCT oil is usually produced by a process called fractionation, where the MCTs are extracted and isolated from coconut or palm oil. MCT oils are beneficial because they are rapidly absorbed and metabolized in the liver, resulting in a fast and sustained energy supply . For this reason, MCT oil is very popular with athletes.
The human body can convert MCTs into ketones, which provide a fat-based energy source for the bodywhen carbohydrate intake is low. Some of the following health benefits of MCT oil are due to this metabolic mechanism. In addition, MCT oil is very popular in ketogenic dietsbecause it can be converted into ketones, which provide an alternative source of energy for the brain.
It is also frequently used in high-quality food supplements as a carrier substance for fat-soluble molecules. This is the case, for example, with our vitamin D3/K2 .
What does MCT oil contain?
MCT oil is mainly found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, with smaller amounts also found in butter and other high-fat dairy products from cows and goats. To produce MCT oil as a dietary supplement, these sources are processed to concentrate the MCTs.
Coconut oil is one of the richest natural sources of MCTs, as around 54% of the fat is made up of MCTs. However, it is worth noting that most MCTs in coconut oil come from lauric acid (C12),which some claim is not a "true" MCT as the body metabolizes it more like a long-chain fatty acid.
Pure MCT oil itself does not occur in nature, but is produced to provide a concentrated source of these medium-chain triglycerides. MCT oil is not only used as a dietary supplement, but is also often used in salad dressings, smoothies or coffee as a source of healthy fats . It is also used for certain medical conditions that require highly absorbable and metabolizable forms of fat, such as malabsorption syndromes.
What benefits does MCT oil offer the human body
Reduction in calorie intake
A 2021 meta-analysis examined the effects of consuming MCTs compared to consuming long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) on energy intake, appetite perception and appetite-related hormones. The analysis of 17 studies with 291 participants showed that both short- and long-term consumption of MCTs compared to LCTs led to a moderate decrease in energy intakeunder laboratory conditions. This reduction was statistically significant. However, there was no significant evidence that MCTs affected subjective ratings of appetite or circulating hormones related to appetite. Although MCTs lead to lower energy intake, the mechanism behind this effect is not clear and further research is needed.
Epilepsie
Fasting-induced ketone production has been shown to reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. As MCTs are converted into ketones, they may be valuable in the treatment of epilepsy. In fact,
One study showed that MCTs, which also provide auxiliary energy to the brain, can reduce seizure frequencyin rodent models, dogs and humans with epilepsy. MCTs, which contain octanoic and decanoic acid in particular, are well tolerated by 65% of people and show promising results as an adjunct to standard pharmacological treatment of epilepsy. Side effects on the central nervous system, which are common with current anti-epileptic drugs, did not occur with MCT oil. The study concludes with a call for larger clinical trials to determine the ideal composition and dosage of MCTs and the types of epilepsy that best respond to them.
Alzheimer
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study examined the effects of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) on the cognitive abilities of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study involved 53 patients who received MCT or a placebo (rapeseed oil) for 30 days, followed by the other treatment.
The results showed a significant reduction in ADAS-Cog-C scores (parameters used to measure cognitive ability) in the patients taking MCT compared to placebo. This indicates that MCT had a positive effect on the cognitive abilities of these patients. However, no significant differences were found in ADL scores, which measure self-care abilities.
MCT oil & Longevity
There are some studies suggesting that MCT oil may have positive effects on longevity. Some of these benefits could include:
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Weight loss and weight management: MCT oil may increase satiety and boost metabolism, which may contribute to weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important factor for longevity.
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Heart health: MCT oil may help lower the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation.
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Energy and endurance: Since MCT oil is quickly converted into energy by the body, it can improve physical performance and endurance.
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Brain health: MCT oil may support brain health by providing ketones, an important source of energy for the brain. This could help maintain cognitive function and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
