Ingredient Repository · Ingredient

🌿
Ingredient

Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT)

Healthy fats from coconut oil that quickly convert into clean energy for your body and brain.

What it is

Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are healthy fats extracted from coconut or palm kernel oil, mainly caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids. Unlike regular dietary fats, MCTs have shorter molecular chains, meaning your liver absorbs and breaks them down almost instantly. This provides your body and brain with a fast, clean source of energy without heavy digestion.

Also known as: MCT Oil Powder, MCTs

Key benefits

  • Provides fast, easy-to-use energy, so you feel alert without digestive heaviness.
  • Supports natural ketone production, which helps fuel your brain during busy days or workouts.
  • Helps promote feelings of fullness, supporting healthy weight management and appetite control.

Amplified by probiotics

While MCTs enter your bloodstream quickly on their own, friendly probiotic bacteria help prepare your gut lining for smooth absorption. Probiotics convert dietary fibre into nourishing compounds made by your gut bacteria that keep your gut walls healthy and calm. This protects against stomach upset when taking healthy fats, ensuring you absorb nutrients without digestive discomfort.

Typical dose

5–15 g/day

The evidence

Evidence: strong

Human clinical studies show that MCTs boost daily energy expenditure and fat burning compared to ordinary cooking oils (St-Onge 2008, Am J Clin Nutr). Controlled research confirms that taking MCT oil supports rapid ketone creation and aids weight management goals (Rego Costa 2012, Lipids).

  1. St-Onge MP, Bosarge A. Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;87(3):621-626. PubMed ↗
  2. Rego Costa AC, et al. Metabolic effects of medium-chain triglyceride chain length. Lipids. 2012;47(8):785-791. PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

MCTs are generally recognised as safe and well tolerated. Taking too much at once may cause a temporary upset stomach or loose stools. Start with a small daily amount and increase gradually as your body adapts. Safe in dietary amounts during pregnancy.