Medium Chain Triglycerides
Introduction
Medium Chain Triglycerides, also known as MCTs, is an exceptional form of fats that can be consumed while dietary nutrition and have a positive impact on health. The “medium” reflects their structure length. Moreover, it may have a significant positive effect on weight management (1). This provided a ground for a large body of research on its beneficial effects and food products that may contain large stock of these chemicals. However, some studies warn that excess MCT oil consumption may lead to problems with cardiovascular system (2).
Literature Review
The Metabolic Syndrome
In 2010, a group of researchers headed by Marie-Pierre St-Onge (3) studied the issue of metabolic risk profile related to dietary consumption of MCTs compared to olive oil. The study found that the group of people who consumed the MCT oil had symptoms of the metabolic syndrome at the beginning of the research, while demonstrated no sign of it at the end. In the case of olive oil, only 2 people out of 6 had no metabolic syndrome. 1 person developed it, and 4 people had no significant effect on their health. It shows that MCT oil is indeed beneficial for health and can be incorporated into dietary programs bearing no risk affecting metabolism (3).
Benefits of MCTs
MCTs are an incredible source of energy for the body. They are easy to break down, and human digestive system can use them very efficiently. MCTs are also used therapeutically for people who have absorption problems. They are very good to be used in the diets of people who miss a gallbladder. Regardless of their prompt absorption, MCTs does not lead to weight gain. Instead, they are actively used for weight loss in various dietary programs. Their main benefit is exceptional help in restoring metabolic function, which lead to normalization of weight. MCTs are contained in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, cheese, milk, yogurt and butter (4).
Some studies demonstrate that atherosclerosis is a result of a long inflammatory process in the body, and this also increases the risk of coronary heart disease risk. Therefore, the question is how MCTs remnants are cleared from the body in order to avoid vessel contamination. The clinical studies show that most of MCTs are transported in blood bound to albumin. In this state, they are easily and promptly cleared from the organism. Therefore, there is a very low risk that MCTs can lead to heart or coronary problems (5).
Ketosis
It is important to know the process of how MCTs have an impact on the organism. They convert into ketones, and the process of it is known as ketosis. When these small parts are broken down, the energy is mostly used by the brain. This helps avoiding using glucose for fueling the brain. Therefore, ketosis contributes to decreased cravings. Assisted appetite regulation “tells” the body when it is full. The acids that form oil fats are very beneficial for immunity. They boost the immune function. As the brain gets “healthy” energy, it does not use much of glucose, and this promotes its health (6).
Conclusion
MCTs are proved to have a significant positive effect on the function of digestion system of the body. It normalizes metabolism and decrease the levels of glucose used for fuel and energy. The most obvious benefit is ketosis that assists in appetite control. MCTs can be effectively used in dietary programs and weight loss programs.
Works Cited
(1). Ward Dean and Jim English. (2013). Beneficial Effects on Energy, Atherosclerosis and Aging. Nutrition Review: Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). Nutrition Review. http://nutritionreview.org/2013/04/medium-chain-triglycerides-mcts/
(2). Medium Chain Triglycerides. (2002).Alternative Medicine Review. Vol.7. No5; pgs.418-420. http://wellnesspharmacy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/medium-chain-triglycerides.pdf
(3). St-Onge, Marie-Pierre, Bosarge, Aubrey, Goree, Laura Lee T. and Betty Darnell. (October 2008). Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil Consumption as Part of a Weight Loss Diet Not Lean to an Adverse Metabolic Profile When Compared to Olive Oil. J Am Coll Nutr. October 2008. Vol.27, No.5; pgs.547-552.
(4). MCT Oil: what You Need to Know. (n.d.). PaleoLeap. http://paleoleap.com/mct-oil-need-know/
(5). Marten, Berit, Pfeuffer, Maria and Jurgen Schrezenmeir. (2006). Medium-Chain Triglycerides. International Dairy Journal. Vol.16; pgs.1374-1382.
(6). Marchegiani, Justin. (n.d.). The Benefits of Coconut Oil, MCT Oil, and Ketosis. Primal Docs: Blog. Promal Docs. http://primaldocs.com/members-blog/the-benefits-of-coconut-oil-mct-oil-and-ketosis/
