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 fats 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 facilitate the counter-transfer of fat and blood sugar from the liver.
What is MCT oil?
Medium-chain triglycerides are so named because they contain between 6 and 12 carbon atoms, which is considered "medium" length for a fatty acid .The four types of MCTs are:
- Caproic acid,
- Caprylic acid,
- Capric acid,
- and Lauric acid
MCT oil is typically produced through a process called fractionation, in which the MCTs are extracted and isolated from coconut or palm oil. MCT oils are beneficial because they are quickly absorbed and metabolized in the liver, leading to a rapid and sustained energy supply . For this reason, MCT oil is very popular among athletes.
The human body can convert MCTs into ketones, which serve as a fat-based energy source for the body when carbohydrate intake is low. Some of the health benefits of MCT oil listed below are attributed to this metabolic mechanism.In addition, MCT oil is very popular in ketogenic diets because it can be converted into ketones, which provide an alternative energy source for the brain. It is often used in high-quality dietary 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 primarily 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 about 54% of the fat consists 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 manufactured to provide a concentrated source of these medium-chain triglycerides. MCT oil is not only used as a supplement but is also often used in salad dressings, smoothies, or coffee as a source of healthy fats . It is also used in certain medical conditions that require highly absorbable and metabolizable forms of fat, such as in malabsorption syndromes.
What benefits does MCT oil offer the human body?
Reduction of calorie intake
A meta-analysis from 2021 examined how the consumption of MCTs compared to the consumption of long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) affects energy intake, appetite perception, and appetite-related hormones. The analysis of 17 studies with 291 participants found that both short- and long-term consumption of MCT compared to LCT under laboratory conditions led to a moderate decrease in energy intake. This reduction was statistically significant. However, there was no significant evidence that MCTs influenced the subjective assessment of appetite or the 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.
Epilepsy
It has been shown that fasting-induced ketone production can reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. Since MCTs are converted into ketones, they can be valuable in the treatment of epilepsy. In fact,
A study showed that MCTs, which also provide auxiliary energy for the brain, can reduce the frequency of seizures in rodent models, dogs, and humans with epilepsy. MCTs, particularly those containing octanoic and decanoic acid, are well tolerated by 65% of people and show promising results as an adjunct to the pharmacological standard treatment of epilepsy. Side effects on the central nervous system, which are common with current antiepileptic drugs, did not occur with MCT oil.The study concludes with the call for larger clinical trials to determine the ideal composition and dosage of MCTs and the types of epilepsy that respond best to them.
Alzheimer
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study, the effects of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) on the cognitive abilities of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) were investigated. 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 assess cognitive abilities) in patients taking MCT compared to the placebo.This suggests that MCT had a positive effect on the cognitive abilities of these patients. However, no significant differences were found in the ADL values, which measure self-care abilities.
MCT Oil &and Longevity
There are some studies that suggest that MCT oil may have positive effects on longevity. Some of these benefits may include:
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Weight loss and weight management: MCT oil can increase feelings of fullness and boost metabolism, which can contribute to weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important factor for longevity.
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Heart Health: MCT oil may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels 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 can support brain health by providing ketones, an important energy source for the brain. This may help maintain cognitive functions and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
