Evidence supporting the use of: Medium Chain Triglycerides
For the health condition: Memory and Brain Function

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) have gained attention for their potential benefits on memory and brain function, especially in the context of aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The scientific rationale centers on the fact that MCTs are rapidly metabolized in the liver to produce ketone bodies, which can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain, particularly when glucose metabolism is impaired. Some clinical studies, such as those using MCT-rich medical foods, have shown modest cognitive improvements in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, particularly in those without the APOE4 genotype. However, these effects are generally small, and not all studies have shown benefit. Evidence in healthy individuals or those with mild cognitive impairment is limited and inconsistent.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclude that while there is a biological plausibility and some early positive findings, the overall evidence for MCTs in supporting memory and brain function is preliminary and not robust. The use of MCTs for brain health is not rooted in traditional medicine but in recent scientific exploration. Larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm efficacy, optimal dosing, and target populations. Thus, while there is a scientific basis and some supportive data, the strength of the evidence is currently rated as low to moderate.

More about Medium Chain Triglycerides
More about Memory and Brain Function

Other ingredients used for Memory and Brain Function

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acai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-pinene
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
asparagus
astaxanthin
waterhyssop
beet
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
black currant
black garlic
sesame
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
Indian frankincense
broccoli
caprylic acid
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
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choline
cinnamon
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish protein
folate
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
fruit blend (proprietary)
ginkgo biloba
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
green tea
guarana
guayusa
hesperetin
huperzine A
inositol
jujube
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krill oil
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-serine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tyrosine
lactobacillus reuteri
lecithin
lion's mane
lutein
luteolin
maca
mackerel
marine lipid
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moringa
muira puama
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naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
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oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
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phosphatidylcholine
phosphatidylserine
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spirulina
strawberry
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threonic acid
tocotrienols
tomato
trans-pterostilbene
almond fruit
ubiquinol
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bacoside
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Products containing Medium Chain Triglycerides

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.