What is mct

The research is certainly promising, but there's still a lot more info to uncover. It's a wise idea to talk to your doctor or dietitian before incorporating MCT oil into your morning coffee routine.

By Katlyn Moncada April 20, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Save Pin FB More. Credit: Courtesy of Bulletproof. Comments 5 Add Comment. View Comments. June 10, So bear with us while we break it down. A triglyceride is a type of fat. In fact, triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body.

And each triglyceride is made up of a chain of atoms. This chain can be short six or fewer atoms , long 12 or more atoms , or medium -length somewhere in between. So a medium-chain triglyceride is a triglyceride with medium-length chains. What's so special about MCTs? They're easier for your body to break down than triglycerides with longer chains long-chain triglycerides or LCTs.

This means your body can metabolize MCTs more easily, and more quickly convert them into a source of energy. Young adds that MCTs may be a good option for people who have trouble digesting other, more complex fats. Since MCTs are easily digested, they may provide a quick and efficient source of energy.

So far, some studies have suggested that MCTs may boost energy and enable people to tackle longer bouts of high-intensity exercise. Others have suggested that since MCTs can be digested quickly, they may be converted into energy , instead of being stored as fat. MCT oil could potentially increase fat burning and reduce the need for carbs during exercise. While the ketogenic diet has gained popularity among people wishing to lose weight, it was first introduced as a way of managing epilepsy.

Researchers found that fasting increases ketone production and that this may reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures However, the type of MCT may be important. One in-vitro study showed that the MCT capric acid improved seizure control better than a widespread anti-epileptic drug Another study in rats found that the same MCT blocked receptors in the brain that cause seizures, though more human studies are needed An MCT ketogenic diet offers an alternative energy source: ketones.

This could allow brain cells to survive better. It also blocks a receptor in the brain that causes memory loss MCT oil may also affect children with autism One study found positive overall improvements when a ketogenic diet was followed for 6 months Another study found that adding MCTs to a ketogenic and gluten-free diet substantially improved autism behaviors for 6 of the 15 children involved More research is needed here, as well MCTs have been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal effects 29 , 30 , This is a common yeast that can cause thrush and various skin infections An in-vitro study also showed that coconut oil reduced the growth of a disease-causing bacteria called Clostridium difficile However, note that most of the research on MCTs and immune support has been conducted via in-vitro or animal studies.

High-quality human studies are needed before stronger conclusions can be made. MCT oil contains fatty acids that have been shown to reduce the growth of yeast and bacteria. Overall, MCTs may have a variety of antimicrobial and antifungal effects, though more research is needed.

MCT oil has been shown to support weight and fat loss. This may, in turn, help reduce your risk for heart disease 1. A study of 24 overweight men found that taking MCT oil combined with phytosterols and flaxseed oil for 29 days reduced total cholesterol by However, when olive oil was used instead, the reduction was only 4.

The same study also found better reductions in LDL bad cholesterol when the MCT oil mixture was added to their diet It can even significantly reduce C-reactive protein CRP , an inflammatory marker that increases the risk for heart disease Additional older studies found that MCT-oil-based mixtures can have a positive effect on other heart disease risk factors, as well 37 , MCT oil may help reduce heart disease risk factors such as weight, cholesterol, and inflammation.

MCT oil may also have benefits for those with diabetes MCTs have been shown to reduce fat storage and increase fat burning, which can aid in managing the condition One small, older study of 40 people with diabetes found that those who consumed MCT oil daily saw reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and insulin resistance, compared to those taking corn oil containing LCTs However, the same study did not find any effect of MCTs on reducing fasting blood sugar levels Therefore, other factors such as timing and the amount of food eaten may influence the effects of MCT oil.

MCT oil could potentially help manage diabetes by reducing fat storage and increasing fat burning. It may also help manage blood sugar.