What is mct oil？
MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil, is a dietary supplement derived from fats, primarily from coconut or palm kernel oil, that contains medium-chain triglycerides (fats with 6-12 carbon atoms). These fats are easily absorbed and rapidly converted to ketones in the liver, providing a quick source of energy. MCTs are primarily found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, breast milk, milk, and their products. Unlike long-chain triglycerides, their digestion and absorption in the human body are different. They provide energy quickly and do not require re-esterification in the small intestinal epithelial cells. They are directly absorbed and metabolized in the liver via the portal vein.
MCT is widely used. In 1986, China included MCT as a food additive in GB2760-86 “Hygienic Standards for the Use of Food Additives”. In the food industry, it can be used as a functional food and food additive, added to various sports foods, weight loss products and other foods; in the medical field, it can be used to treat malnutrition, fat malabsorption, celiac disease and other related diseases, and can also be used as an excipient for pharmaceutical preparations; in the cosmetics field, it can be used as a substitute for vaseline oil, lanolin and squalane; [3] In the field of livestock and poultry production, it can improve the production performance of livestock and poultry, and can also treat parasitic diseases.
What are the mct oil benefits?
Best MCT oil benefits include providing a quick source of energy, aiding in weight loss by increasing fullness, supporting gut health with antimicrobial properties, and potentially benefiting conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. It is more easily digested and absorbed, making it useful for people with certain digestive disorders, as it does not require bile for breakdown.
Obesity Prevention
MCTs’ unique digestion, absorption, transport, and metabolism characteristics mean they aren’t stored in tissues like fat, liver, and muscle like LCTs. Instead, they are rapidly digested and absorbed, oxidized, and used for energy. Therefore, LCTs inhibit weight gain and are significantly effective in preventing obesity.
Improving Sugar, Lipoid, and Cholesterol Metabolism
Under a balanced diet, medium- and long-chain fatty acid oils can reduce weight, lower blood triglycerides, and improve lipoprotein metabolism in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
Under a balanced diet, male patients with hypertriglyceridemia can experience weight loss, lower blood triglyceride concentrations, improve lipoprotein levels, and regulate lipid metabolism using MLCT oil.
Lipoprotein deficiencies or defects, or an incompatibility between the increased lipoprotein level and the lipid profile, can lead to lipid metabolism disorders. Therefore, MCTs may improve lipid metabolism by improving lipoprotein levels.
Anti-Fatigue Effect
MCTs have a strong ketogenic effect. The ketone bodies produced can serve as energy sources for the brain, muscles, and other tissues during prolonged exercise, reducing blood sugar consumption. [8]
As an energy source
Related clinical reports divided 18 cases into a 75% MCT/LCT group and an ICT group, and conducted indirect calorimetry. It was found that the MCT/LCT group had higher values in resting energy expenditure (REE), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide consumption (VCO2), and fat oxidation, confirming that its combustion was better.
What are the application of MCT oil？
Applications in the Food Industry
MCTs can be used as functional foods or food additives in various sports foods, weight loss products, cakes, flavorings, and coloring agents. They can also be used as lubricants and release agents in sausage molds; in the production of kefir and cheese imitations; and are often used in chocolate, ice cream, and cheese products to improve their appearance and taste.
Applications in Medicine
MCTs have been used in clinical nutrition to treat malnutrition, fat malabsorption, intestinal fistulas, bile duct obstruction, hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, and other obstructive conditions. Furthermore, MCTs are widely used in many pharmaceutical formulations due to their excellent antioxidant properties, solubility, low viscosity, low freezing point, and ability to reduce bacterial heat resistance. When MCTs are used in emulsified formulations, their bioavailability is significantly improved.
Applications in Cosmetics
MCTs can be used as a substitute for petrolatum, lanolin, and squalane in cosmetics. They exhibit excellent oxidative and emulsification stability, making cosmetics easier to store. It can also be used as a base ingredient for moisturizing factors, a diluent for cosmetics, an antifreeze agent, and a homogenizer. Furthermore, due to its antimicrobial activity, it can also be used as a moisturizer, refatting agent, skin softener, and emulsifier with potent antimicrobial properties. Its mild properties allow for good skin absorption.
Applications in Livestock and Poultry Production
MCTs can improve pig production performance, increase piglet growth rate and survival rate, and maximize the reproductive potential of sows. MCTs also play a positive role in poultry farming, enhancing growth performance, improving meat quality, increasing egg production, and improving intestinal morphology and intestinal flora composition. Furthermore, MCTs not only affect ruminant nutritional metabolism but also treat parasitic diseases.
How to use mct oil for weight loss?
Best mct oil for weight loss is incorporated into a weight loss plan by starting with small doses and gradually increasing it, while mixing it with foods or drinks. It can be added to coffee, smoothies, or used in salad dressings and cooking.
What are the mct oil side effects?
MCT oil can cause side effects, most commonly digestive issues like diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially when consumed in large amounts. Less common effects may include flatulence, irritability, fatigue, headaches, and anxiety. To minimize side effects, it’s best to start with a small dose and gradually increase your intake, and taking MCT oil with food may also help.
What is the difference between MCT vs coconut oil?
Organic MCT oil is a concentrated form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), while coconut oil contains a mix of MCTs (like lauric acid) and long-chain fatty acids (LCTs). MCT oil is 100% MCTs, providing a concentrated dose that is quickly absorbed for energy, whereas coconut oil is about 50-60% MCTs and is a good choice for cooking due to its high smoke point and flavor. Coconut oil is also used in skincare, while MCT oil is a potent supplement for energy and cognitive function. oil, is a dietary supplement derived from fats, primarily from coconut or palm kernel oil, that contains medium-chain triglycerides (fats with 6-12 carbon atoms). These fats are easily absorbed and rapidly converted to ketones in the liver, providing a quick source of energy.
