Medium Chain Triglycerides

Cat Number

CHE-MCT

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

Synonyms

MCTs

General Description

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are saturated fatty acids that contain 6-12 carbon atoms. They are found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. MCTs are oxidizable lipids that metabolize quickly. They are used globally as carriers and substrates rich in calories in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and personal care applications.

Mechanism of Action

Metabolically, MCTs are different from traditional triglycerides because they do not require transportation through the lymphatic system. MCTs are water-soluble, so they are hydrolyzed quickly by lingual lipase and gastric lipase. Once absorbed, they travel through the portal vein to the liver. The liver then oxidizes MCTs into ketones which can be used as a quick source of fuel for energy. MCTs are not stored easily in the body as a fat source. Topically MCTs offer lightweight emolliency and aid in restoring skin barrier function.

Application

Clinically, MCTs are used as dietary supplements in patients who have problems digesting and absorbing fats and calories. Due to their rapid digestion and absorption of lipids MCTs are often used as carriers of lipophilic substances in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. They are frequently used in cosmetic applications as a fractional oil.

Augustin K et al. reviewed the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet and found the mechanism behind the diet effectiveness is less related to ketone bodies as was originally thought but is related to medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Decanoic acid (C10) accumulates to 150 µM during treatment and quickly enters the brain where it noncompetitively inhibits AMPA-type glutamate receptors within minutes; inhibition of AMPA receptors increases the seizure threshold in hippocampal brain slices as well as in 6 Hz and maximal electroshock models. Octanoic acid (C8), despite being present in high concentrations, does not inhibit AMPA receptors but is able to suppress seizures indirectly during hypoglycaemia via activation of adenosine A1 receptors. These fatty acids are poorly uncoupled agents compared to long chain fatty acids and decanoic acid also activates the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-γ leading to increased mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP production in neurons. Together these direct and indirect effects may explain the previously observed lack of correlation between blood ketone levels and efficacy.

Fig. 1 Breakdown and circulation of dietary medium-chain triglycerides. (Augustin K.; et al. 2018)

References

Augustin K.; et al. Mechanisms of action for the medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic diet in neurological and metabolic disorders. The Lancet Neurology, 2018, 17(1): 84-93.

What fatty acids predominate in MCTs?

Caprylic acid and capric acid.

How do MCTs differ from regular vegetable oils?

Absorbed rapidly into the portal vein from the digestive tract directly to the liver where it can be used as energy.

Are MCT's used topically for sensitive skin in cosmetics?

Because they are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and feel smooth on the skin without any greasy residue.

How do MCTs increase fat-soluble vitamins?

MCTs carry vitamins A, D, E, and K and can increase their absorption tremendously because they are such a superior solvent and carrier.