Medium-chain triglyceride (MCTs) is used by many athletes and bodybuilders. But could medium-chain triglyceride be the answer to your weight loss woes?
The rare lung ailment known as chylothorax and “milky urine” (chyluria), both of which are treated with MCTs. Other applications include the management of AIDS, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s, and pediatric seizure disorders.
MCTs are sometimes used by athletes to fulfill their nutritional needs during physical activity, improve exercise performance, decrease body fat and build lean muscle mass, and lose weight.
What is medium-chain triglyceride?
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of saturated fat that is metabolized differently than other types of fat. MCTs are absorbed and metabolized quickly, so they are often used as a source of energy. MCTs are found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
MCTs are a good source of energy and help you feel fuller longer. They also help to promote weight loss by increasing thermogenesis, which is the production of heat in the body. MCTs can also help to decrease cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.
MCTs are used in conjunction with traditional medications to treat conditions that affect how well food is absorbed, such as gonorrhea (fat indigestion), diarrhea, celiac disease, liver illness, and digestive issues brought on by partial removal surgery. intestines or the stomach (gastrectomy) (short bowel syndrome).
MCTs are occasionally used to decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood. Diabetes can also be treated with them. MCTs are utilized to build muscle mass and strength in older persons. Additionally, they are used to treat Waldmann’s illness, a rare condition.
MCTs are frequently utilized in complete parenteral nutrition as a source of fat (TPN). All food is administered intravenously in TPN (by IV). People with gastrointestinal (GI) tract dysfunction require this kind of meal.
Additionally, in critically unwell individuals, intravenous MCTs are used to stop muscle breakdown.
The body and Medium-chain triglyceride: how they work together
MCTs are a type of saturated fat that is metabolized differently than other types of fat. Unlike other fats, MCTs are absorbed and metabolized quickly, so they are often used as a source of energy. MCTs are a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or improve their athletic performance.
Medium-chain triglyceride is found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. They can also be made in a laboratory. When you consume MCTs, they go directly to your liver, where they are used for energy or turned into ketones. Ketones are a type of fuel that your body can use for energy.
MCTs can help you lose weight by increasing your metabolism and by reducing your appetite. MCTs can also help you burn more fat because they are burned for energy rather than stored as fat.
What do the research results tell us about medium-chain triglyceride?
In 12-week-old male mice, Wang et al. investigated the effects of MCT supplementation. For 21 days, the mice were given a choice between a standard chow diet and a regular chow + MCT diet, which was assigned at random. Additionally, the mice underwent treadmill training at low and high temperatures.
MCT-fed mice showed enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, particularly during higher-temperature exercise, according to Wang et al. Additionally, they stated that MCT had no impact on food intake or body weight in hot weather. Additionally, they did not find any modifications in serum glucose or lipid levels after MCT administration.
Mumme and Stonehouse performed a meta-analysis to determine whether MCTs can cause weight loss through boosted energy consumption. They examined the effects of MCTs and LCTs on lipid levels in the blood as well as weight loss and body composition. The randomized controlled studies that were done in healthy individuals and lasted longer than three weeks were the ones the researchers picked.
They found that MCTs considerably outperformed LCTs in reducing body weight, waist and hip circumferences, total body fat, total subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat in the 13 randomized controlled studies that met their criteria. MCT and LCT lipid concentrations did not differ noticeably from one another. The dose, duration, and energy intake control of many of the studies varied, according to the researchers.
Mumme and Stonehouse hypothesized that additional human studies are necessary to more clearly define the impact of MCT oil on weight loss and cardiovascular health.
The benefits of MCTs
Recent studies have shown that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) offer a host of benefits beyond weight loss. This new information is exciting for those looking to improve their health in a variety of ways.
In addition to weight loss, MCTs have been shown to improve mental clarity and cognitive function. They can also help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as blood sugar levels. All of these factors contribute to better overall health.
- Prevents muscle breakdown in critically ill patients, when given intravenously (by IV). MCTs can provide calories in critically ill patients, but do not appear to provide any advantage over normal dietary fats (long-chain triglycerides).
- Certain types of epilepsy in children.
- A rare disease called Waldmann’s disease. Following a low-fat, high-protein diet and supplementing with MCTs seems to reduce symptoms in patients with Waldmann’s disease.
Drawbacks of MCTs
When it comes to weight loss, many people turn to medium-chain triglycerides as a way to help them burn fat. However, there are some drawbacks to using MCTs that you should be aware of before you start using them.
First, MCTs can cause gastrointestinal distress in some people. This can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking MCTs, stop taking them and consult your doctor.
Second, MCTs can also raise your cholesterol levels. While this may not be a concern for everyone, it is something to be aware of if you have a history of high cholesterol or heart disease in your family.
Lastly, MCTs are a concentrated source of calories.
If you’re like most people, you probably think of fats as being bad for you. But there’s one type of fat that’s actually good for you: medium-chain triglycerides.
MCTs are a type of saturated fat that is metabolized differently than other types of fat. Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), MCTs are absorbed and metabolized quickly, so they are a great source of energy.
Medium-chain triglycerides are found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. You can also get them in supplement form.
So why are MCTs good for you?
Well, first of all, they help you burn fat. When you consume MCTs, they go straight to your liver where they are used for energy or turned into ketones.