MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil, is a processed oil with shorter fat chains compared to most other food sources. These shorter chains are digested more quickly. Their unique chemical structure also benefits people with fat malabsorption disorders and certain neurological diseases.

There are four types of MCTs: caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid. Each has a slightly different chemical structure. They can be found naturally in coconut oil, milk, or palm kernel oil. MCTs can also be synthesized artificially and added to food or supplements.

Due to their shorter chain length compared to other saturated fats, MCTs are digested and absorbed differently, conferring them unique benefits. MCTs are commonly used in the treatment of digestive system disorders, and new research suggests that they may also be helpful in treating neurological diseases. However, it should be noted that while some supplement manufacturers claim that MCT oil helps improve athletic performance, recent examinations have found that MCT oil has almost no benefit for athletic performance.

MCT oil may help reduce the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy. Part of the reason is that MCTs are metabolized rapidly to form ketone bodies.

Ketone bodies are an energy source for the body and brain, formed by the metabolism of fatty acids in the liver. They are usually produced when the body does not have enough carbohydrate glucose (sugar), so the body must turn to fat for energy. However, when you take MCT oil, your body produces ketone bodies without the need for fasting or a ketogenic diet.

Some researchers believe that for people with neurological diseases such as epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease, ketone bodies provide a more efficient energy source for the brain than glucose.

Currently, people with drug-resistant epilepsy (especially children) usually have to follow a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, full ketogenic diet in an attempt to reduce the frequency of seizures. Researchers are studying MCT oil as a potentially new functional food in medicine because it can produce ketone bodies without a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet.

For example, a recent study found that patients with drug-resistant epilepsy had 42% fewer seizures after adding MCT oil to their diet for three months compared to the baseline. This study is promising, but more studies with control groups are needed to confirm its effects.

The metabolism of MCTs into ketone bodies may also help prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is associated with insulin resistance in the brain. Essentially, the brain has more difficulty using glucose for energy. Therefore, researchers believe that when cognitive ability begins to decline, ketone bodies may be a more efficient energy source for the brain, which may help improve cognitive outcomes.

A recent review and meta-analysis of 16 studies examined the effects of MCTs on patients with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers reported that all 16 studies found an increase in blood ketone levels in participants taking MCTs.

Some of these studies found that MCTs could improve cognitive ability, while others found no change. Therefore, while MCTs do effectively increase ketone levels, more research is needed to confirm whether this leads to better cognitive outcomes.

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MCTs have long been used to treat fat malabsorption because they are easier to digest and absorb than long-chain fats. This is important because people with fat malabsorption disorders are at a higher risk of malnutrition. MCTs are effective because, unlike most fats, they do not require bile salts for absorption.

A study on premature infants found that replacing 40% of the fat intake with MCTs increased the overall fat absorption rate by 10%.

In addition, since MCTs do not require pancreatic enzymes for digestion, they may be an effective supplement for patients with pancreatic insufficiency. A small study found that adults with chronic pancreatitis who took an MCT enteral formula with 69% fat content three times a day for 10 weeks had less post-meal abdominal pain.

Many fat malabsorption disorders require enteral (through the intestine) or parenteral (outside the intestine, such as intravenous) feeding, so the proportion of MCTs is determined by a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

MCT oil supplements are usually available in powder or liquid form. They are usually flavorless and mix well with your favorite beverages, such as smoothies. You can also add them to foods like oatmeal or pancake batter. Liquid MCT supplements can also be added to salad dressings. Make sure to take MCT oil with a meal to reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal reactions.

There is no recommended daily intake or tolerable upper limit for MCT oil. However, some researchers suggest that people should not exceed 4 - 7 tablespoons per day.

Remember that MCT oil is a saturated fat. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of total daily calorie intake. The American Heart Association has stricter guidelines; they recommend that calories from saturated fat should not exceed 5 - 6%.

The exception is when someone follows a ketogenic diet for the treatment of epilepsy, which requires close supervision by a healthcare provider. In this case, a person's saturated fat intake may be much higher.

MCT oil is generally safe to consume. However, there is limited research on the safety of MCT oil supplements for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is best to consult your healthcare provider before starting to take supplements.

Research has not found any interactions between MCT oil and drugs or other supplements. However, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before starting to take a new supplement, especially if you are taking other supplements or drugs. They can advise you on the safety of taking MCT oil based on your individual medications and health needs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements as strictly as it does food and drugs. To ensure product quality, it is best to purchase MCT oil supplements that have been tested for purity and potency by third-party organizations. Reputable third-party testing organizations include the United States Pharmacopeia, NSF International, and ConsumerLab.com.

Look for the organization's seal on the bottle.

If you have any questions, consult a healthcare provider before starting to take a new supplement, especially if you have health problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking any prescription medications.

There is no upper limit on the daily intake of MCT oil. However, one study found that 30 grams is the maximum safe dose of MCT oil to minimize adverse effects during exercise.

Another study recommends limiting the daily intake to 4 - 7 tablespoons, taken throughout the day.

In addition, if you rely too much on MCT oil and neglect other fat sources, you may develop a deficiency in essential fatty acids.

Since MCT oil is still a saturated fat, it may slightly increase triglyceride levels, so it is important to maintain a balanced diet.

Excessive intake of dietary fat (especially saturated fat) along with insufficient intake of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein is harmful to metabolic health. Therefore, consider MCT oil as part of your daily fat intake.

MCT oil may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or bloating. To prevent these side effects, it may help to start with a small dose and gradually increase it. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you experience persistent or severe side effects, stop taking the supplement and consult your healthcare provider.

MCT oil is an increasingly popular supplement that is most helpful for people with certain diseases, including drug-resistant epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and fat malabsorption disorders. It works because of its unique way of being digested and absorbed by the body and its ability to produce ketone bodies. MCT oil is generally safe to consume and is present in some foods, but if you are considering taking a supplement, it is best to consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian first for a more scientific and reasonable choice.