Medium Chain Triglycerides

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A Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) is a triglyceride with 8-12 carbon long fatty acids. MCTs passively diffuse from the GI tract to the portal system (longer fatty acids are absorbed into the lymphatic system) without requirement for modification like long chain fatty acids or very long chain fatty acids do. In addition MCTs do not require lipase for digestion. Patients who have malnutrition are treated with MCTs because they do not require energy for absorption, utilization, or storage. Rich sources of MCTs include coconut oil. The fatty acids are also called medium chain fatty acids.

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Throughout the years, some studies have shown that MCT's can help in the process of excess calorie burning, weight loss. However, close to half of the calories in one's diet would have be from the MCT's themselves. Therefore, consuming medium chain triglycerides in a regular diet may or may not be beneficial to weight loss; studies are still being conducted.