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Medium-chain Triglycerides

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are found in foods like coconut oil and dairy products. MCTs are claimed to improve muscle strength, cognitive performance, and body weight, but further research is needed to substantiate those claims.

Quick Answer

What it is

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are found in foods like coconut oil and dairy products. MCTs are claimed to improve muscle strength, cognitive performance, and body weight, but further research is needed to substantiate those claims.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Cognition
  • Grade C: Body Fat (Sarcopenia)
  • Grade C: Fat Oxidation (Metabolic Health)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Medium-chain Triglycerides

Quick Facts: Medium-chain Triglycerides

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:7
  • Research Outcomes:45
  • Grade B Findings:2
  • Key Effect:Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B2
C4
D3
7 conditions · 45 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Cognition
Small Improvement
4 studies
small↑Improves
?
Ketone Bodies
↑Improves
B
Cognition
Small Improvement
4 studies
small↑Improves
?
Ketone Bodies
↑Improves
C
Body Fat
Small Decrease
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Strength
↑Improves
?
Walking Ability
↑Improves
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
C
Body Fat
Small Decrease
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Strength
↑Improves
?
Walking Ability
↑Improves
?
Muscle Mass
↑Improves
C
Fat Oxidation
Small Increase
small↑Improves
?
Metabolic Rate
↑Improves
C
Body Fat
Small Decrease
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Ketone Bodies
↑Improves
?
Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
↓Worsens
D
Apolipoprotein A
No effect
1 study
none
D
Apolipoprotein B
No effect
1 study
none
?
Weight
12 studies
↓Improves
?
Body Fat
9 studies
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
7 studies
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
5 studies
↑Improves
?
Waist circumference
5 studies
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
4 studies
↓Improves
?
Blood glucose
2 studies
↓Improves
?
Fat Oxidation
↑Improves
?
Insulin
2 studies
↑Worsens
?
Food Intake
↑Worsens
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
Insulin Resistance
1 study
↓Improves
?
Metabolic Rate
↑Improves
?
Respiratory Exchange Ratio
1 study
↑Improves
?
Thermic effect of food (TEF)
1 study
↑Improves
D
Apolipoprotein A
No effect
1 study
none
?
Apolipoprotein B
1 study
↓Improves
?
Blood glucose
1 study
↓Improves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Insulin
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↓Improves

Research Citations (16)

Value of VLCD supplementation with medium chain triglycerides
PMID: 11571605
Components of total energy expenditure in healthy young women are not affected after 14 days of feeding with medium-versus long-chain triglycerides
PMID: 10348498
Effects of medium-chain triglycerides on weight loss and body composition: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PMID: 25636220
Effects of dietary medium-chain triglyceride on weight loss and insulin sensitivity in a group of moderately overweight free-living type 2 diabetic Chinese subjects
PMID: 17570262
The impact of medium-chain triglycerides on weight loss and metabolic health in individuals with overweight or obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis
PMID: 38936302
Effect of Continuous Ingestion of 2 g of Medium-Chain Triglycerides on Substrate Metabolism during Low-Intensity Physical Activity
PMID: 35276897
Short-Term Ingestion of Medium-Chain Triglycerides Could Enhance Postprandial Consumption of Ingested Fat in Individuals with a Body Mass Index from 25 to Less than 30: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Crossover Study
PMID: 35268094
A systematic review and meta-analysis of medium-chain triglycerides effects on acute satiety and food intake
PMID: 32212947
Enhanced postprandial energy expenditure with medium-chain fatty acid feeding is attenuated after 14 d in premenopausal women
PMID: 10232626
Endogenous fat oxidation during medium chain versus long chain triglyceride feeding in healthy women
PMID: 11033985

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