Evidence supporting the use of: Medium Chain Triglycerides
For the health condition: Fat Metabolism (poor)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are supported by scientific evidence for use in the management of poor fat metabolism, particularly in individuals with malabsorption disorders or certain metabolic conditions. Unlike long-chain triglycerides, MCTs are absorbed directly into the portal circulation without requiring bile salts or pancreatic lipase for digestion. This unique property makes them especially useful for people with compromised fat digestion or absorption, such as those with pancreatic insufficiency, bile acid deficiency, or certain gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, short bowel syndrome). Multiple clinical studies and reviews have demonstrated that MCTs can improve calorie and fat absorption in these populations, contributing to better nutritional status and energy intake.
Additionally, MCTs are sometimes used in ketogenic diets to promote ketone production, which can be beneficial for patients with certain metabolic disorders. However, for the general population without specific fat malabsorption issues, the benefits of MCTs for "fat metabolism" are less clear and not well-supported by evidence. Most clinical support is focused on their use in targeted medical nutrition therapy for malabsorption rather than general metabolic enhancement.
In summary, MCTs are scientifically validated for supporting fat metabolism, especially in individuals with impaired fat absorption, with a strong evidence base in clinical nutrition and gastroenterology literature.
More about Medium Chain Triglycerides
More about Fat Metabolism (poor)
Other ingredients used for Fat Metabolism (poor)
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
artichoke
barberry
biotin
canola oil
capsaicinoids
choline
cinnamon
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
dandelion
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fenugreek
flavonols
forskohlii root
garcinia
ginger
glucomannan
guggul
hesperetin
hydroxycitric acid
kelp
l-carnitine
lecithin
linoleic acid (LA)
lipase
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
milk thistle
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
palmitate
pantethine
phospholipids
black ginger
vitamin B
zinc
bile salt
polyphenols
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
Apple Cider Vinegar
Avocado
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Berberis (unspecified)
Chia seed
Capric Acid
Cardarine
Carqueja
Capsinoids
coconut oil
Coriander
Capsaicin
Capsiate
Cha de bugre
Diacylglycerol
Dihydrocapsiate
walnut
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Medium Chain Triglycerides
Alzheimer's DiseaseCancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Dementia
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Epilepsy
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Memory and Brain Function
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson's Disease
Wasting
Weight Loss