The existing studies report mixed and inconclusive results for many benefits.
However, the evidence supports MCT oil for conditions like epilepsy, seizures, and malabsorption disorders.
The oils used in supplements are extracted from coconut meat and palm kernels.
Getty Images / jayk7
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Getty Images / jayk7
What Is MCT Oil?
MCT oil is extracted from coconuts or palm kernels.
The final product is a purified oil containing only MCTs.
Long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) have the most carbon atoms.
Theyre also the most common.
You get LCTs from vegetable oils, meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, and seeds.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are primarily found in coconuts and palm kernels.
MCTs have shorter carbon chains.
The shorter chain is significant because it means your body can digest MCTs differently than LCTs.
LCTs are not water-soluble.
They go through a complex digestive process and are more likely to be stored as fat.
As mentioned above, MCT oil only contains medium-chain triglycerides.
The primary MCTs are caprylic and capric acid.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
MCT oils, however, may offer health benefits.
Research results are mixed, and many studies have been performed on animals.
One systematic review concluded that MCT oil does not improve exercise performance or endurance.
Out of six studies included in the review, only one showed positive results.
More research is needed in people to determine MCTs impact on performance.
Seizures
MCT oil may treat neurodegenerative diseases, includingepilepsy.
In particular, supplementing with MCT oil twice daily for three months reduced seizures by 42%.
throw in 2 Diabetes
Some studies suggest that MCT oil may be used to treattype 2 diabetes.
In the study, healthy adults substituted part of their normal fat intake with MCTs.
Only some study participants saw improvements ininsulinsensitivity, while others saw the opposite.
Few other studies exist on the use of MCT oil for jot down 2 diabetes.
More research is needed.
Digestive Problems
MCT oil is used to treat conditions that interfere with fat digestion and absorption.
Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia, a condition associated with aging, causes progressive muscle loss and weakness.
However, the review reported that MCT may lead to modest weight loss.
The researchers called for more studies on this use of MCT oil.
Many studies on MCT oil for weight loss have been performed on animals rather than humans.
A direct link between MCT oil and weight loss has not been proven.
Autism
There are no studies showing that MCT oil can improve autism symptoms.
One study published in 2024 involved one child with autism and epilepsy.
More studies are needed to verify a connection between MCT oil and autism.
How to Use
There are two sources of MCTs: supplements and foods.
Food Sources
MCTs are naturally found in very few foods.
In addition to coconut and palm kernels, the only other major source is cows milk.
However, it’s digested like a long-chain triglyceride.
You wont know the amount of MCTs in the foods and beverages you consume.
Supplements
Supplemental MCTs are widely available.
While they’re mostly found in oil form, you could also find soft gels and powders.
you’re able to purchase these supplements online, in grocery stores, and in various health stores.
One advantage of using supplements is that you’ll know the amount of MCTs in each dose.
If youre using MCT oil in your food, be careful not to heat it above 300 Fahrenheit.
High heat will degrade MCT oil and affect the flavor of your food or beverage.
One tablespoon contains 14 grams of fat and 115 calories.
They include:
MCT oil is often used as part of aketogenic diet.
Talk with a healthcare provider before using MCT oil or any new dietary supplement.
They can discuss any risks or drug interactions with the medications or supplements you currently take.
Dosage
There are no standardized dosage guidelines for MCT oil.
Using MCT Oil Every Day
Its important to remember that MCT oil contains saturated fats.
How to Store
Its important to store MCT oil properly so it doesnt become rancid.
Keep it in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight.
A cupboard or cabinet is typically suitable.
ensure that your MCT oil is not subjected to heat or cold.
MCT oil does not require refrigeration.
you could also get MCT oil from cow’s milk and dairy products.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center.Coconut Oil Health Effects.
2022;8(1):e12259.
2019;14(12):e0226200.
Watanabe S, Tsujino S.Applications of medium-chain triglycerides in foods.Front Nutr.
2018;13(2):e0191182.
2024 Feb 17;16(4):553. doi:10.3390/nu16040553.
2022;1-10. doi:10.1007/s13197-022-05499-w
ACSM Health and Fitness Journal.Medium-chain triglycerides and health.
