What is MCT oil and its benefits

MCT oil is relatively new on our market. If you haven’t heard of it yet, or if you’re not sure what exactly it is, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explain what MCT oil is, where it comes from, and what its benefits are for the human body.

What is MCT oil

The name MCT comes from the English name for medium chain triglycerides (“Medium Chain Triglycerides”). MCT oil is synthetically derived mostly from coconut or palm oil. It is one of the fastest sources of energy due to its small molecules, which quickly reach the liver and are converted there into ketones. These are used by our body as an alternative energy source to glucose.

MCT oil was first used in the 1950s to treat digestive problems with common fats. Today, it has come into awareness as a nutritional supplement for boosting energy and supporting mental performance. It is used when transitioning to a low-calorie or ketogenic diet, and is popular with athletes for extra energy and accelerated recovery.

Where to find MCT oil

Coconut contains the most MCT oil – up to 20% of its total nutrient content, unlike other vegetable oils where long chain triglyceride (LCT) fats predominate. MCT fats can also be found, for example, in breast milk, high-fat goat, cow or sheep milk products, but in significantly smaller amounts than in coconut or palm oil.

MCT oil and its benefits

1. MCTs and the keto diet

The ketogenic diet is based on a reduced carbohydrate intake, which leads to a lack of glucose to provide energy. Thus, as an alternative source of energy, the body begins to convert fats into ketones, which the body uses instead of glucose. MCT fats can serve as a quick source of energy in this case. A study (1) showed that MCT oils accelerated the time to reach ketosis, helped better manage restricted carbohydrate intake, and mitigated the undesirable side effects of a ketogenic diet. Such MCT oil-based keto diets are mainly recommended for patients suffering from epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease or for cancer patients where glucose is the main source of energy for tumor growth. Thus, changing the energy source to ketones can slow or stop tumor growth (2).

2. Body weight and obesity

Studies have shown that body weight can be reduced by replacing long-chain fats (LCTs) with medium-chain triglyceride fats, i.e. MCTs (3). MCTs give a feeling of satiety and so reduce the need to take in more carbohydrates. This is provided by the aforementioned smaller MCT molecules, which are quickly absorbed, transported to the liver and converted into energy.

3. Gastrointestinal diseases

MCT oil was originally used in medicine to treat Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, which are known for frequent inflammation of the intestines. MCT oil reduces inflammation, improves intestinal microflora, permeability and intestinal metabolism. In diseases of the pancreas or shortened intestine, MCT fat serves as a replacement source of calories without burdening the digestive tract.

4. Neurological diseases

In diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, anxiety or depression, the brain cannot use glucose as an energy source and therefore uses energy from ketones. Also in this case, MCT oil can help and provide the body with the necessary energy thanks to its rapid absorption and conversion into ketones.

Although MCT oils are not considered essential supplements in our diets, they are definitely worth trying for their benefits. It has no taste or flavor, so it can easily be incorporated into a variety of foods from coffee and morning smoothies to desserts. As it is a good carrier of other molecules, it can enhance the flavour of other ingredients very well.

Sources. A., & Anandharamakrishnan, C. (2022). Medium chain triglycerides (MCT): State-of-the-art on chemistry, synthesis, health benefits and applications in food industry. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 21, 843-867.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12926

Referenced studies:
(1) Liu, Y. C. (2008). Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic therapy. Epilepsia, 49, 33-36
(2) Nebeling, L. C., & Lerner, E. (1995). Implementing ketogenic diet based on MCT oil in pediatric patient with cancers.pdf. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 95, 693-697
(3) Maher, T., & Clegg, M. E. (2020). A systematic review and meta-analysis of medium-chain triglycerides effects on acute satiety and food intake. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 61, 636- 648.