Medium Chain Triglycerides - WIKIATLETICS

What is medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil?

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fats found in foods such as coconut oil.
They are metabolized differently than the long chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in most other foods. Medium chain triglyceride oil is a supplement that contains high levels of these fats and is claimed to have numerous beneficial properties.

Triglyceride is simply the technical term for fat. Triglycerides have two main purposes. They are either burned for energy or stored as fat.

Triglycerides are named after their chemical structure, specifically the length of their fatty acid chains. All triglycerides consist of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids.

Most of the fat in your diet consists of long-chain fatty acids, which contain 13–21 carbon atoms. Short chain fatty acids contain less than 6 carbon atoms.

In contrast, the medium chain fatty acids in MCTs contain 6–12 carbon atoms.

The following are the main medium chain fatty acids:

• C6 : caproic acid or hexanoic acid
• C8 : caprylic acid or octanoic acid
• C10 : capric acid or decanoic acid
• C12 : lauric acid or dodecanoic acid

Some experts argue that C6, C8 and C10 reflect the definition of medium chain triglycerides more accurately than C12 (lauric acid) ().

Many of the health benefits described below are not attributed to lauric acid.

Conclusion:

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) contain fatty acids that range from 6 to 12 carbon atoms in length. These include caproic acid (C6), caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10) and lauric acid (C12).

Help with weight loss

MCT, when absorbed, affects metabolic processes, accelerating them. This is important in the presence of concomitant pathologies such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, etc. The positive effect is manifested in weight loss due to a decrease in the fat layer.

The effect of the weight loss product is as follows:

1. medium chain triglycerides are absorbed very quickly and are not stored in fat reserves;
2. components ensure satiety and absence of hunger for a long period;
3. the metabolic rate increases, due to which the breakdown of adipose tissue occurs faster even in the absence of physical activity;
4. substances are not stored in the form of fats, but are used to saturate cells with energy;
5. The functioning of the digestive system improves, due to which the body quickly removes waste products, accelerating weight loss.

Another advantage of using fatty acid-based drugs is that they improve brain activity, mood and increase stamina. A person has an incentive to perform physical exercises, which allow them to burn fat deposits even more effectively.

Oil is a high-calorie product. 100 grams contain 830 calories. However, this figure is lower than that of other types of beneficial compounds. In addition, the daily intake of MCT does not allow for a significant increase in calorie intake. Depending on the dose of supplements used, a person will receive an additional 40–120 kcal per day.

The results of experiments conducted with the participation of volunteers confirmed the effectiveness of the products for weight loss. Fat deposits disappear much faster if a person follows a low-carb diet.

Medium chain triglycerides are metabolized differently

Given the shorter chain nature of MCTs, they are quickly broken down and absorbed by the body.

Unlike longer chain fatty acids, MCTs go straight to the liver, where they can be used as an immediate source of energy or converted into ketones. Ketones are substances that are produced when the liver breaks down large amounts of fat.

Unlike regular fatty acids, ketones can travel from the blood into the brain. They are used as an alternative energy source for the brain, which normally uses glucose for energy ().

Please note: Ketones are only produced when your body is low on carbohydrates, such as when you follow a keto diet. The brain always prefers to use glucose as an energy source instead of ketones.

Because the calories contained in MCTs are more efficiently converted into energy and used by the body, they are less likely to be stored as fat. However, further research is needed to determine their ability to aid weight loss ().

Since medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are digested faster than LCTs, they should be used as energy first. If there is an excess of MCTs, they too will end up being stored as fat.

Conclusion:

Due to their shorter chain length, medium chain triglycerides are broken down and absorbed in the body faster. This makes them a quick source of energy and they are less likely to be stored as fat.

Sources of MCTs

Medium chain triglycerides can be obtained either from food or from dietary supplements.

Foods with the highest MCT content are:

• coconut oil (60% of the total fat in this product);
• palm kernel oil (50%) – not to be confused with regular palm oil;
• fatty dairy products (10-12%).

Coconut oil contains the most C12 - lauric acid - up to 50%. The predominant fats in dairy products are C6, C8 and C10.

Sources of Medium Chain Triglycerides

There are two main ways to increase your MCT intake - through food intake or through supplementation such as MCT oil.

Food sources

The following foods are the richest sources of medium chain triglycerides, including lauric acid, and are listed along with their percentage of MCTs (, , , ):

• Coconut oil: 55%
• Palm oil: 54%
• Whole milk: 9%
• Butter: 8%

Although the above sources are rich in medium chain triglycerides, their levels vary. For example, coconut oil contains all four types of MCTs, as well as small amounts of LCTs.

However, its MCTs consist of large amounts of lauric acid (C12) and smaller amounts of C6, C8 and C10 fatty acids. In fact, coconut oil contains about 42% lauric acid, making it one of the best natural sources of this fatty acid ().

Compared to coconut oil, dairy sources tend to have a higher proportion of C6, C8 and C10 fatty acids, and a lower proportion of lauric acid.

In milk, C6, C8 and C10 fatty acids make up 4–12% of total fatty acids, and lauric acid (C12) makes up 2–5% ().

MCT oil

MCT oil is a highly concentrated source of medium chain triglycerides.

It is produced through a process called fractionation. This process involves extracting and separating MCTs from coconut or palm oil.

MCT oils typically contain either 100% caprylic acid (C8), 100% capric acid (C10), or a combination of both.

Caproic acid (C6) is usually not included due to its unpleasant taste and odor. Meanwhile, lauric acid (C12) is often absent or present only in small quantities ().

Given that lauric acid is the main component of coconut oil, be wary of manufacturers who market MCT oils as “liquid coconut oil.”

Many people debate whether lauric acid degrades or improves the quality of MCT oils.

Many market proponents tout MCT oil as being healthier than coconut oil because caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) are thought to be more quickly absorbed and processed for energy compared to lauric acid (C12) (, ).

Conclusion:

Food sources of MCTs include coconut oil, palm oil, and dairy products. However, their composition of medium chain triglycerides may differ. Additionally, MCT oil boasts higher concentrations of certain MCTs. It often contains C8, C10, or a combination of both.

What are dietary supplements with MCT?

MCT supplements contain either 100% triglycerides with caprylic acid (C8), or 100% molecules with capric acid (C10), or a combination of these two options.

Caproic acid (C6) is removed from dietary supplements because it has an unpleasant taste and odor.

Lauric acid (C12) is present only as impurities. Moreover, there is still no consensus as to whether the presence of lauric acid in MCT dietary supplements is positive or negative.

The fact is that not all researchers, in principle, classify lauric acid as medium-chain. Many believe that this is actually an ordinary long-chain molecule. This means that it does not have the beneficial properties of medium-chain molecules and actually contaminates dietary supplements.

At the same time, it was found that lauric acid has the most pronounced antibacterial and antiviral activity of all medium-chain molecules.

Which source is better?

The best source for you depends on your goals and desired MCT intake.

To obtain potential beneficial effects, it is not clear what dose is needed. In studies, doses range from 5 to 70 grams of MCT per day.

If you are looking to improve your overall health, using coconut oil or palm kernel oil in your cooking may be enough.

However, for higher doses, you may want to consider MCT oil.

One of the benefits of MCT oil is that it is virtually tasteless and odorless. It can be consumed straight from the can or mixed with food or drinks.

Conclusion:

Coconut and palm oils are rich sources of medium chain triglycerides, but MCT oil supplements contain much higher amounts.

Should I take supplements and how should I do it?

If you just want to increase your body's intake of beneficial nutritional compounds - medium chain triglycerides, then it is enough to use coconut oil and palm kernels, as well as consume full-fat dairy products. But if you are pursuing certain medical goals, for example, you want to lose weight, then dietary supplements with MCTs are needed.

Since medium chain triglycerides are tasteless and odorless, they can either be drunk from a spoon or used in cooking, for example, to make healthy salad dressings for weight loss.

There is no exact medical prescription indicating how much MCT you can consume per day. The usual dose of dietary supplements recommended by manufacturers is 1-3 tablespoons per day.

MCT Oil May Potentially Help You Lose Weight

Although research results have been mixed, there are several ways MCTs may help promote weight loss, including:

• Lower energy density . MCTs provide approximately 10% fewer calories than LCTs—8.4 calories per gram for MCTs versus 9.2 calories per gram for LCTs. However, note that most cooking oils contain both MCT and LCT, which may negate any difference in calories ().
• Increased satiety . One study found that compared to LCTs, MCTs resulted in greater increases in levels of peptide YY and leptin, two hormones that help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness ().
• Fat storage . Given that MCTs are digested and absorbed faster than LCTs, they are primarily used as energy rather than stored as fat. However, MCTs can also be stored as fat if consumed in excess ().
• Burning calories . Several older animal and human studies suggest that MCTs (mostly C8 and C10) may increase the body's ability to burn fat and calories (, , ).
• Greater fat loss . One study found that a diet rich in MCTs caused greater fat burning and loss of body fat mass than a diet higher in LCTs. However, these effects may disappear after 2–3 weeks after the body adapts ().

However, keep in mind that many of these studies have small samples and don't take into account other factors, including physical activity and total calorie intake.

Additionally, while some studies have shown that MCTs may help you lose weight, other studies have found no effects ().

According to an earlier review of 21 studies, 7 assessed satiety, 8 assessed weight loss, and 6 assessed calorie burning.

Only 1 study found an increase in satiety, 6 found weight loss, and 4 found an increase in calorie burning ().

In another review of 12 animal studies, 7 reported decreased weight gain and 5 found no difference. For food intake, 4 found a decrease, 1 found an increase, and 7 found no difference ().

Additionally, the weight loss caused by MCT was very modest.

A review of 13 human studies found that the average weight loss on a diet high in MCTs was only 0.5 kg over 3 weeks or more compared with a diet high in LCTs ().

Another older 12-week study found that a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides resulted in an additional 0.9 kg of weight loss compared to a diet rich in LCTs ().

New, high-quality research is needed to determine how effective MCTs are for weight loss, and in what quantities they need to be taken to be effective.

Conclusion:

MCTs may promote weight loss by reducing calorie intake and fat storage, as well as increasing satiety, calorie burning, and ketone levels in low-carb diets. However, the effects of MCT on weight loss overall are quite modest.

Role in sports nutrition

MCT performs several tasks at once when used by people actively involved in sports. With increased physical activity, cells need additional energy. If it is not enough, there is no stamina, a person quickly gets tired and is not able to perform daily tasks in a stressful rhythm.

The product is not stored as fat, but is converted into pure cellular energy. Due to this, the supplement helps athletes not to overload even with increased physical activity.

The advantage of the product is that it starts metabolic processes. This is important for those who play sports to lose excess weight. The simultaneous use of oil and physical activity allows you to more effectively break down fat deposits and convert them into energy.

Another plus is better absorption of microelements entering the body. With increased physical activity, athletes require more nutrients. MCT enhances their absorption into cells, so that a person does not experience a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. This is facilitated by improved functioning of the digestive tract. Proteins are better absorbed, resulting in an increase in muscle mass, but not fat deposits.

MCT's ability to improve physical performance

MCTs are thought to increase energy levels during high-intensity exercise and serve as an alternative source of energy by preserving glycogen stores.

Several older studies in humans and animals suggest that medium chain triglycerides may improve endurance performance and offer benefits for athletes on low-carb diets.

One animal study found that mice fed a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides performed much better in swimming tests than mice fed a diet rich in LCTs ().

Additionally, consuming a meal containing MCT instead of LCT for 2 weeks allowed recreational athletes to tolerate longer periods of high-intensity training ().

Although the evidence appears positive, more recent, high-quality studies are needed to confirm this beneficial effect, and the overall association is weak ().

Conclusion:

The association between MCT and improved exercise performance is weak. More research is needed to confirm these claims.

How to lower triglycerides in the blood

Eating fatty fish helps reduce triglyceride levels in the blood

If you've had your triglycerides tested and are concerned about your triglyceride levels, you can take steps to lower them. Most actions involve adjusting your diet and increasing physical activity. Experts offer the following advice for lowering triglyceride levels:

• Bring your weight back to normal . If you are overweight, losing 3 to 5 kilograms may help lower your triglyceride levels.
• Avoid sweet and refined foods . Simple carbohydrates such as sugar can increase triglyceride levels.
• Give preference to healthy fats . Replace the saturated fat found in meat with healthier monounsaturated fats, which come from plant foods such as olive oil, peanut oil and sunflower oil. Replace your red meat intake with fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as mackerel, sardines, herring, anchovies and salmon.
• Limit your alcohol intake . Alcohol is high in calories and sugar and has been shown to increase triglyceride levels.

If lifestyle and dietary changes do not sufficiently reduce triglyceride levels, your doctor may prescribe medications to be taken along with dietary changes and added exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following medications are often prescribed:

Niacin

Niacin is also known as vitamin B3 and niacin. This water-soluble vitamin is important for the health of the body and is found in foods such as milk, eggs, rice, fish, lean meats and legumes (). For people with high triglycerides or high LDL cholesterol, a very high dose of niacin may be prescribed. It is important to take niacin only in doses recommended by your doctor because it can be toxic in large, unregulated doses. It may also interact with other medications, which is not desirable.

Niacin is usually prescribed to people with triglyceride levels greater than 500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L). Niacin can increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels by more than 30 percent (). It has also been associated with slowing the progression of atherosclerosis and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes when taken in combination with statins or colestipol (other cholesterol-lowering drugs) ().

Statins

Statins are well known for their cholesterol-lowering abilities. This type of drugs includes:

• Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• Simvastatin (Zocor)

Statins interfere with the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver and increase HDL cholesterol levels. They are usually prescribed to people with high LDL cholesterol, atherosclerosis, or diabetes. Although they are relatively safe for most people, muscle pain is a common side effect.

Omega-3 fatty acids

These fatty acids, found in fish oil, are an important part of any good diet. In high doses, they can help lower triglyceride levels. Scientists theorize that omega-3 fatty acids' ability to reduce inflammation may be related to its triglyceride-lowering capabilities ().

Because high doses of fish oil can add large amounts of calories, interfere with blood clotting, and cause nausea and diarrhea, omega-3 fatty acid supplements are only recommended for people with triglyceride levels above 500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L). Here are some prescription fish oil names:

• Epanova
• Lovaza
• Vascepa

Fish oil does not lower cholesterol levels.

You can learn more about what omega-3 fatty acids are, what role they play in the body, why they are useful and where they are found on this page - Omega-3 fatty acids: what they are, their role, food sources.

Fibrates

These drugs are derivatives of fibric acid. They are usually prescribed to people with very high triglyceride levels—more than 500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L). They also lower LDL cholesterol levels, although to a slightly lesser extent than triglyceride levels (). When used primarily to lower cholesterol, they are usually taken in combination with statins. The mechanism by which fibrates lower triglyceride levels is unknown, although scientists have hypothesized that it involves regulation of the liver's release of triglycerides into lipoproteins.

Other Potential Benefits of MCT Oil

The use of medium chain triglycerides and MCT oil has been linked to a number of other benefits.

Cholesterol

MCTs have been associated with lower cholesterol levels in both animal and human studies.

For example, one animal study found that administering MCTs to mice helped lower cholesterol levels by increasing the excretion of bile acids ().

Similarly, in an earlier study in rats, consumption of unrefined coconut oil was associated with improved cholesterol levels and increased antioxidant levels ().

Another older study of 40 women found that consuming coconut oil along with a low-calorie diet lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased HDL (good) cholesterol compared to women consuming soybean oil ().

Improving cholesterol and antioxidant levels may lead to a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the long term.

However, it is important to note that some earlier studies reported that MCT supplements had no effect on cholesterol (, ).

One study of 14 healthy men reported that MCT supplements negatively impacted cholesterol levels by increasing total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease ().

Additionally, many common sources of MCTs, including coconut oil, are considered saturated fat ().

Although research suggests that higher intakes of saturated fat are not associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, it may be associated with several risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, including higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (. , ).

Therefore, more research is needed to understand the complex relationship between MCTs and cholesterol levels, as well as the potential impact on heart health.

Conclusion:

Diets high in MCT-rich foods, such as coconut oil, may support healthy cholesterol levels. However, the evidence is mixed.

Diabetes

Medium chain triglyceride oil may also help lower blood sugar levels. In one study, diets rich in MCTs increased insulin sensitivity in adults with type 2 diabetes ().

Another study conducted on 40 overweight patients with type 2 diabetes found that taking MCTs improved risk factors for diabetes. Taking it reduced body weight, waist circumference, and insulin resistance ().

Moreover, one animal study found that administering MCT oil to mice fed a high-fat diet helped protect against insulin resistance and inflammation ().

However, evidence supporting the use of medium chain triglycerides for the treatment of diabetes is limited and outdated. New high-quality studies are needed to determine its impact.

Conclusion:

Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil may help lower blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance. However, more research is needed to confirm this beneficial effect.

Brain function

MCTs produce ketones, which act as an alternative energy source for the brain and thus may improve brain function in people following ketogenic diets (defined as consuming less than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day).

Recently, there has been increased interest in the use of MCT to treat or prevent brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia ().

One large study found that MCTs improved learning, memory, and information processing in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. However, this effect was only observed in people who did not have the APOE4 gene variant ().

Overall, the evidence is limited to short studies with small sample sizes, so more research is needed.

Conclusion:

MCTs may improve brain function in people with Alzheimer's disease who have a certain genetic makeup. More research is needed.

Other diseases and conditions

Because MCTs are an easily digestible and absorbable source of energy, they have been used for years to treat nutritional deficiencies and diseases that interfere with nutrient absorption.

Here are the diseases and conditions that may benefit from MCT oil:

• diarrhea
• steatorrhea
• liver disease

Patients who have had intestinal or stomach surgery may also benefit.

Evidence also supports the use of MCTs in ketogenic diets for the treatment of epilepsy ().

Using MCTs allows children with seizures to eat larger meals and tolerate more calories and carbohydrates than classic ketogenic diets allow ().

Conclusion:

Medium chain triglycerides help treat a number of diseases and conditions, including nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption and epilepsy.

What are the health benefits of MCT oil?

1) Protects heart health

MCT oil prevents the development of metabolic syndrome. This term includes a variety of metabolic disorders, such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and elevated fasting blood glucose.

TSC is able to reduce cardiovascular disease and the risk of mortality in general due to the reduction in the chances of obesity. Most likely, this beneficial effect occurs because medium chain triglycerides are easily digested, satiating, and just as easily used for energy.

2) Helps digestion due to easy absorption of nutrients

TSCs are beneficial for the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. Regulation of microflora has a positive effect on digestive functions, energy expenditure, and the ability to absorb vitamins and minerals from food.

Medium chain fats kill a wide range of pathogenic viruses, strains and bacteria that cause digestive problems, including candidiasis, constipation, diarrhea, food poisoning, abdominal pain and so on.

Additionally, these healthy fats absorb fat-soluble nutrients from various foods, like beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and lutein. If you eat healthy foods, especially plant-based foods, but don't get enough healthy fats, then your body is basically unable to use these nutrients.

3) Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties

This food supplement is a powerful natural antibiotic that not only does not destroy, but rather helps balance bacteria in the intestines. Antibiotic resistance is increasingly developing these days, so it makes sense to use natural methods to kill some harmful types of bacteria.

Some known bacteria that TSC kills are Streptococcus (causes sore throat, pneumonia and sinus infections), Staphylococcus (causes food poisoning and urinary tract infections), Neisseria (causes meningitis, gonorrhea and pelvic inflammatory disease), and some other strains that cause stomach diseases, candidiasis, ulcers and sexually transmitted diseases.

Some pathogenic viruses are partially inactivated by lauric acid. Another interesting thing: TSCs are able to destroy “bad bacteria” without harming “good bacteria”. This is very important, considering that we simply need to maintain the health of our intestines and the entire digestive system.

According to some studies, medium-chain fatty acids with 8 to 12 carbon atoms exhibit more potent antiviral and antibacterial properties when added to milk and infant formulas than long-chain fats. This formula, when added with medium chain fats to milk, inactivates a number of pathogens, including respiratory syncytial virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), Haemophilus influenzae and streptococci.

4) Helps burn fat

Compared to other types of fats, MTCs have a positive effect on fat burning and weight loss. They increase the feeling of fullness and increase the metabolic rate so that all body functions are performed smoothly.

But this does not mean that you will necessarily lose weight. TSCs definitely have a positive effect on metabolic functions. For example, a 2003 study found that in obese women, TSCs prevented long-term weight gain by increasing energy expenditure and fat burning.

A previous study from 2001 compared the body weight of two groups of adults: one consuming long-chain fats and the other consuming medium-chain fats over a 12-week period. The amount of protein, carbohydrates and fats did not differ significantly between groups; only the types of fats differed.

After 12 weeks, the reduction in body weight and body fat was significantly greater in the MCT group, as was the reduction in subcutaneous fat area. This suggests that this dietary supplement may suppress fat deposition by increasing thermogenesis and fat oxidation in animals and humans. In other words, it helps the body produce ketones without having to drastically cut carbohydrates from your diet.

5) Increases energy levels and mood

The brain is primarily made up of fatty acids, so it needs a steady supply of them from your diet to feel better, think rationally, be productive, and stay that way for many years to come.

In 2004, scientists suggested that TSCs improve memory and are also beneficial for Alzheimer's disease in older people. All of this only makes sense if the food that supplies brain fuel contains all the essential vitamins and minerals to help us feel sane, energetic and positive.

TSC not only feeds brain cells, but also improves overall gut health. This gut-brain connection is significantly related to cognitive function.

In one animal study, pigs were fed a standard formula but with 2 g of caprylic or capric acid added each day. Pigs treated with TSC showed improvements in gut bacterial health, performance, growth, and nutrient digestion, including protein and fiber.

6) Withstands high temperatures

MCTs are especially good for cooking because they do not oxidize easily from heat and can withstand high temperatures. This is very important because even some "good fats" aren't always great for cooking (olive or flaxseed oil can go rancid, for example). Coconut and MCT oils are best used in baking, salad dressing and frying.

Unfortunately, it is not a miracle weight loss supplement, although there is some evidence that it may help you lose weight. If you want to test this hypothesis, then experiment on your own and see the results.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t completely give up other fats, because MCT will not provide you with all the benefits that other types of healthy oils provide.

Dosage, safety and side effects

Although medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil does not currently have a specific upper tolerable intake level, the maximum daily intake is 4–7 tablespoons (60–100 ml) ().

Although it is also unclear what dose is needed to obtain potential health benefits, most studies conducted have used 1 to 5 tablespoons (15–74 ml) per day.

There are currently no reports of adverse drug interactions or other serious side effects.

However, some minor side effects have been reported, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset.

This can be avoided by starting with small doses such as 1 teaspoon (5 ml) and slowly increasing your intake level. Once your body has begun to tolerate MCT oil well, you can take one tablespoon at a time.

If you are considering taking MCT oil, talk to your doctor first. It is also important to have regular blood lipid laboratory tests to monitor your cholesterol levels.

Type 1 diabetes and MCT

Some sources do not recommend that people with type 1 diabetes take medium chain triglycerides due to the accompanying production of ketones.

It is thought that high levels of ketones in the blood may increase the risk of ketoacidosis, a very serious condition that can occur in people with type 1 diabetes.

However, nutritional ketosis caused by a low-carb diet is completely different from diabetic ketoacidosis, a very serious condition that causes a lack of insulin.

In people with well-controlled diabetes and healthy blood sugar levels, ketone levels remain in a safe range even during ketosis.

Recently, limited studies are available that examine the use of MCTs in patients with type 1 diabetes. However, some earlier studies that have been conducted have shown no harmful effects ().

Conclusion:

Medium chain triglyceride oil is safe for most people, but there are no clear dosage guidelines. Start with small doses and gradually increase your intake.

Triglycerides - norm by age: table

Why are high triglyceride levels dangerous?

Triglycerides are fats that circulate in the blood after eating. If their levels are low, you do not need to take medications to reduce them. But high triglyceride levels send a signal that you need to step up your efforts to maintain a healthy weight and healthy diet.

Table: Triglyceride levels

Triglycerides and cardiovascular risk

Measuring triglycerides is part of a standard "lipid profile" and is used to calculate LDL. The “lipid profile” also includes high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good” cholesterol that removes LDL from the arteries.

The doctor interprets the LDL and HDL cholesterol results along with other factors to assess the risk of heart attack (heart attack) and stroke. Controlling LDL with cholesterol-lowering statins reduces the risk.

Triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL (1.69 mmol/L) are associated with higher cardiovascular risk.

Why can high triglyceride levels lead to clogged arteries? The process of lipid metabolism involves lipoprotein particles that transport triglycerides through the blood. Triglycerides are fats, so they cannot move freely through the bloodstream without lipoproteins. As triglyceride levels rise, the body produces additional types of lipoproteins to transport excess triglycerides. "If triglyceride levels are elevated, lipoproteins can cause atherosclerosis," says Linda Hemphill, a cholesterol specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital at Harvard University.

MCT Oil for the Brain, Digestive System and Heart

Fatty acids are essential for proper brain function. MCT oil is easily absorbed, instantly increasing mental clarity.

It can be useful for digestion and eliminating problems with the stomach and intestines, as:

• helps normalize intestinal microflora;
• promotes the absorption of vitamins and minerals required for good digestion.

MCT oil stimulates metabolism and reduces the risk of obesity. This minimizes the possibility of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, this triglyceride oil has medicinal anti-inflammatory properties.

Source: ru.siberianhealth.com

What exactly substances help to increase the speed and strength endurance of athletes?

Athletes often use medium chain triglycerides to improve endurance performance as an immediate source of energy. But in moderation they are not very effective, and only increased consumption can help.

Studies examining the effectiveness of drinks containing medium chain triglycerides, carbohydrates and mixtures of both compounds found that mixtures of medium chain triglycerides, carbohydrates were most effective, while drinks containing only medium chain triglycerides performed the worst.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytcreatorsru

That is why, to significantly increase the body's endurance, you should take about 50 g of medium chain triglycerides in combination with some carbohydrates. But it should be remembered that medium chain triglycerides in doses exceeding 30 mg can cause abdominal discomfort.

Benefits of MCT oil over coconut oil

For decades, coconut oil has been considered the best plant-based source of triglycerides. More than 60% of the fatty acids it contains are medium chain triglycerides.

However, relatively recently, scientists have learned to isolate medium-chain triglycerides and created MCT oil, which contains a higher concentration of fatty acids.

What is MCT oil?

If you care about your health, exercise, control your diet, and try to avoid excess fat, then you have probably heard about Omega-3 fats, which are extremely beneficial. So here are MCT oils from the same opera.

MCT is an abbreviation of the English words “medium-chain triglycerides”, which translates as “medium chain triglycerides” (MCT is another abbreviation similar to MCT). These are fatty acids that have positive effects on the body and are even taken for therapeutic purposes. It is especially important to take special fats if you are on a diet that restricts fats and/or carbohydrates. In these cases, taking Omega-3 and MCT is highly recommended.

MCT differs from other fats in that the length of its chain of molecules is shorter, due to this the body processes this product faster

.
In addition, MCT directly enters the liver, and is not stored as a reserve in adipose tissue
. This is where it helps with weight loss.

The body uses MCT oils for instant energy production

and for the formation of ketone bodies - fuel for muscle tissue and kidneys. Also, ketone bodies are used by the brain instead of sugar and glucose and are a source of energy during strict diets or fasting.