Medium-chain Triglycerides

Medium-chain Triglycerides

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of dietary fat made up of fatty acids with six to twelve carbon atoms attached to a glycerol backbone. They’re found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, which are rich in saturated fats. One of the unique things about MCTs is that they’re highly resistant to oxidation.

Unlike long-chain fats, MCTs don’t need bile salts for digestion. Enzymes in the stomach and pancreas quickly break down MCTs, which are then absorbed directly through the small intestine. This fast-track absorption makes MCTs a quick and efficient energy source.

MCTs are rapidly converted through β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which produces ATP. During fasting or low-carb conditions, they’re also readily turned into ketone bodies, mainly β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate, which can fuel the brain and muscles. Because MCTs are rapidly metabolized into energy and ketones, they’re less likely to be stored as fat. Ketones provide an alternative energy source for the brain, which may support cognitive health (Cunnane, 2016).

Other benefits of MCTs include:

• Weight management: Consumption of MCT oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss compared to olive oil (St-Onge, 2008).
• Athletic performance: MCT consumption may enhance endurance during exercise (Nosaka, 2009).

In many high-quality supplements, MCTs are added to the outer coating to make it more flexible and durable. The result is a smoother, more resilient film that maintains the product’s integrity over time. MCTs may help the coating stay flexible even in dry conditions or during shipping, which means a more consistent and reliable product

Summary

MCTs are safe, naturally derived fats typically sourced from coconut and palm kernel oil. MCTs offer a rapid, efficient energy source with metabolic and health benefits, distinguishing them from conventional fats.

References:

St-Onge, M. P., & Bosarge, A. (2008). Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triglyceride oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 87(3), 621-626.

Cunnane, S. C., et al. (2016). Can ketones help rescue brain fuel supply in later life? Neurochemistry International, 92, 97-103.

Nosaka, N., et al. (2009). Effects of ingesting medium-chain triacylglycerols on moderate- and high-intensity exercise in recreational athletes. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 55(2), 120-125.

Rowe, R. C., Sheskey, P. J., & Quinn, M. E. (2009). Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients (6th ed.). Pharmaceutical Press.

Felton, L. A. (2013). Film Coating of Oral Solid Dosage Forms. AAPS PharmSciTech, 14(3), 797–803.