Medium Chain Triglycerides MCT
About Medium Chain Triglycerides MCT
Medium chain triglycerides are fats composed of fatty acids with six to twelve carbon atoms, mainly caproic, caprylic, capric and lauric acids. Unlike long chain fats, which are packaged into chylomicrons and travel through the lymphatic system, medium chain fatty acids are largely absorbed directly into the portal vein and carried to the liver, where they are rapidly oxidized and readily converted to ketone bodies. Because of this distinct handling, MCT oil has long been used in clinical nutrition for people with fat malabsorption conditions and in some versions of the ketogenic diet used to treat drug resistant epilepsy. Commercial MCT oil is usually manufactured from coconut or palm kernel oil. MCTs have become popular in sports and wellness products marketed for energy, weight management and cognition, but evidence for these uses remains limited or mixed. Gastrointestinal discomfort is a commonly reported side effect.
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