Medium-chain Triglycerides And Weight Loss

Weight-loss supplements swarm the market, but investigative research can distinguish between best bets and bogus remedies. Medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, have been studied as a weight-loss aid but require additional research to sufficiently confirm their success in this role. Any weight-loss supplement or regimen warrants discussion with your medical provider.

The Facts

MCTs are fats consisting of six to 12 carbon atoms in chain length. MCTs differ from long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) in that their shorter length permits their transport directly into portal blood to the liver instead of their deposit into fat tissue. MCTs' rapid oxidation in the liver may lead to increased energy expenditure, or increased calorie burn, in comparison to LCTs.

Function

Since MCTs do not require bile for absorption, they have been historically used in dietary recommendations for inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and conditions with impaired fat digestion and absorption, such as sprue and celiac disease, which may cause unintentional weight loss. MCT oil's direct absorption into the liver can help increase energy intake in individuals with these types of conditions.

Types

MCTs, commonly marketed as MCT oils, are refined from coconut oil or formulated as part of enteral nutrition, otherwise known as tube feeding formulas. Poor palatability and poor tolerance of MCT oil supplements can affect intake.

Effects

In a scientific review of the literature, researchers at McGill University concluded MCT, compared to LCT, resulted in increased energy expenditure and potentially decreased food intake in humans, which could aid weight loss. Inclusion of MCT as part of a weight loss regimen has demonstrated increased weight and fat loss relative to the LCT olive oil. In another study, researchers St-Onge and Jones found that body weight affected the energy expenditure benefit of MCT; men with lower body weight had greater loss of body fat than men of higher body weight. MCTs have not demonstrated improved exercise performance.

Considerations

Though studies substantiate MCT's role in weight loss, exact mechanisms for weight control have not been proven. The potential for weight loss has been analyzed more than actual weight loss. Studies to date lack large numbers of human subjects and lack investigation into quantity of MCTs required to induce weight loss, gender differences and long-term effects of MCT consumption. Additional fats in the diet may increase blood lipid levels and increase calories. MCTs, if consumed for weight loss, should be substituted for other types of fat already consumed, rather than added to overall dietary intake.