What is a medium chain triglyceride?
Medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, are as they sound medium length fatty acids bound to a glycerol backbone. MCT’s, due to their medium chain length, are easily oxidized by skeletal muscle. This is due to the fact that MCT’s are quickly and easily transported to the fat furnace, the mitochondrion. As a result, research (Hill et al 1989) has demonstrated that TEF (thermogenic effect) with MCTs is double that of other fats, making it comparable to protein in this regard. Additionally, medium chain triglyerides do not require the same degree of digestion as long chain triglycerides do. This allows for rapid absorption and less burden for those with malabsorption syndromes. Medium chain triglyercides are also ketogenic producing 2 ketone bodies through metabolism in the liver. Ketones can be used by the body as an energy source. The two most common sources of MCTs are coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
