MCT Oil

What does MCT stand for?

MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglyceride. Triglyceride is the technical term for fat, and triglycerides are either burned for energy by cells or stored as body fat. MCTs go straight from the gut to the liver, where they can be used as a source of energy or turned into ketones (substances produced when the liver breaks down large amounts of fat), which can be used by the brain as an energy source rather than glucose or sugar. Because the calories contained in MCTs are more efficiently turned into energy and used by the body, they are less likely to be stored as fat.

What is MCT Oil?

MCT oil is a concentrated source of medium-chain triglycerides made through a process called fractionation that separates different types of fats found naturally in some oils (usually coconut, but also palm kernel, and some dairy) by using the different fats’ different melting points. MCT oil is an easy way to get large concentrations of certain MCTs.

Why take MCT?

If you’re following a ketogenic diet, then taking MCT oil can help you stay in the fat-burning state known as ketosis, as MCTs are converted to ketones by the liver when carb intake is low. MCTs have many potential health benefits, and taking MCT oil supplements may help overall weight management by helping to lower cholesterol, helping to control blood sugar levels, and decreasing insulin resistance. They may also help improve brain and memory function (remember, ketones are brain-fuel!), and may help you feel less sore during high-intensity exercise by reducing lactate buildup. As if that weren’t enough, because MCTs have a variety of antimicrobial and antifungal effects, MCT oil may also help optimize gut bacteria!

What else should I know?

Be careful not to take MCTs in high doses. MCTs may stimulate the release of hunger hormones, and high doses could lead to fat build up in the liver. Try 1–2 tablespoons per day and use it to replace — not add — to your normal fat intake, and any negative side effects are unlikely.