Kasai M et al. Effect of dietary medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) on accumulation of body fat in healthy humans. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(2):151-60.
We investigated whether a structured medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) diet could decrease accumulation of body fat in healthy humans. The study was conducted under a double-blind randomized design. Ninety-three subjects participated in this study. However, 10 subjects could not consume the specified meal, and one subject wished to opt out. Consequently, the study included 82 subjects. The experimental subjects consumed the test bread, which was made with 14 g of MLCT containing 1.7 g MCFA, daily at breakfast during the study period of 12 weeks, and the control subjects consumed bread made with long-chain triacylglycerols (LCT). All subjects consumed the same standard packaged meals. Body composition parameters were body weight, total body fat and abdominal fat, and blood analyses included serum cholesterol, triacylglycerols and phospholipids.
Significant decreases of body weight, the amount of body fat, subcutaneous and visceral fat were noted in the MLCT group as compared with those of the LCT group for 12 weeks (P<0.05). Furthermore, a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol was noted in the MLCT group as compared with that of the LCT group at 8 weeks (P<0.05). However, other serum parameters were not different between the MLCT and LCT groups. The results suggest that the daily intake of MLCT diet could result in a reduction in body weight and in accumulation of body fat, and, moreover, it could reduce serum total cholesterol.
St-Onge M et al. Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men. Obes Res. 2003 Mar;11(3):395-402.
Bourque C et al. Consumption of an oil composed of medium chain triacyglycerols, phytosterols, and N-3 fatty acids improves cardiovascular risk profile in overweight women. Metabolism. 2003 Jun;52(6):771-7.
Caution: Taking MCT oils after 4:00 pm may create excess energy late in the day and may lead to difficulty falling asleep at a normal hour.
Nutritional Benefits
Substituting MCTs for other fats in the diet provides support for weight management, according to a number of human studies. Because MCTs are more likely to be burned for energy than stored when compared to other fats, they are both highly energizing and supportive of weight management.*[1]
A twelve-week study in seventy-eight men and women showed that MCTs improve weight loss when used in the place of other fats in the diet.2 Another four week study showed that substituting MCTs for other fats helped promote loss of fat tissue, particularly in the upper body of men.3 MCT consumption early in the day also leads to subjects eating less food when choosing freely selected lunches.*[4]
Substituting MCT Oil for other fats in the diet also helps to promote lower triglyceride levels.*[5]
MCTs help promote healthy fat balance during low carbohydrate and ketogenic diets, and may be useful in an overall low carbohydrate nutritional support of epileptic patients.*[6]
MCTs support natural energy levels throughout the day, and help support athletic endurance in aerobic sports such as long distance cycling.*[7]
MCTs are anti-fungal due to their high content of caprylic acid, and are therefore the ideal fat to use in the diets of patients battling candida albicans overgrowth or other forms of dysbiosis.*[8]
MCTs are derived naturally from coconut oil and are safe for human consumption, even in high doses.*[9]
Using MCT Oil
As a dietary supplement, take one or more tablespoons in the morning, or as directed by your health care practitioner.
MCT Oil can be used in cooking and baking, as a base for salad dressing, and is highly recommended as a great addition to smoothies: it helps give them a frothy consistency.
Use MCTs anywhere a recipe calls for oil (olive, canola, vegetable, etc.) but do not fry with MCT Oil. Crayhon Research’s Ultra Pure MCT Oil is virtually taste-free and will not alter the flavor of your favorite recipes. Being very stable at room temperature, MCT Oil does not require refrigeration. Do not take within six hours of bedtime, as the energizing effects of MCT Oil may make it difficult to fall asleep at a normal hour.
MCT Oil is naturally derived from coconut and is suitable for vegetarians.