Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of fat found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and some dairy fats. MCTs have properties that benefit people with certain health problems, athletes, and epileptics. They increase metabolism, decrease body fat, and lower blood sugar levels. However, excessive intake can increase cholesterol, and MCTs should not be the only source of fat in the diet. They can be taken in small amounts with other foods or used in cooking and baking.
Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of fat. Fats derived from long-chain fatty acids contain at least 12 carbon atoms, while medium-chain triglycerides have at least six carbon atoms and no more than ten. This chemical structure gives MCTs properties that have been found useful for people suffering from nutritional deficiencies due to certain health problems, athletes, epileptics, and others. Medium chain triglycerides are found naturally in variable proportions in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and some dairy fats. Pure MCTs can also be purchased in supplement form.
There are no known contraindications for medium-chain triglyceride medications, and they are safe in moderation for most healthy people. However, excessive intake of MCTs has been found to increase cholesterol. Nor should they be the only source of fat in the diet. Some long-chain fatty acids, like omega-6, are crucial for health.
MCTs have been found to have a number of potential benefits due to their effect on metabolism and blood sugar levels. Medium-chain triglycerides are more easily digested than long-chain fatty acids, which is helpful for some people whose bodies cannot absorb other fats properly. MCTs have been found to increase metabolism, although significant weight loss would require an extremely high daily intake. Current research also indicates that they increase lean tissue while decreasing body fat.
Surprisingly, medium chain triglycerides are lower in calories than other fats, around 8.3 calories per gram. Even more than other fats, MCTs have been found to have a satiating effect on appetite, which may be helpful for dieters. Consumption has also been found to moderately lower blood sugar levels.
A diet high in MCTs causes the body to go through a state called ketosis. Ketosis has been found to help control epileptic seizures in patients who do not respond to anti-seizure medications. Many athletes use MCT as a source of energy. Unlike other fats, MCTs are absorbed by the liver without being partially broken down by bile acids secreted by the liver. The body actually processes them in a similar way to carbohydrates, but without the spike in blood sugar that carbohydrates cause.
MCTs can disrupt digestion, so they should be taken in small amounts with other foods initially and gradually increased to the desired amount. Natural sources of MCTs, such as coconut oil, can also be used in cooking and baking. Pure MCTs in liquid supplements or capsules should not be heated.
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