Ronald Johnson

McT Oil and Obesity Ronald Johnson

Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is synthetic oil made from medium chain C8 and C10 fatty acids. It has been traditionally used as a neutral "placebo" in lipid clinical trials. Thus, MCT oil has been selected for capsules as a placebo intended for comparison with an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid containing supplement, to measure fatty acid profiles and inflammation in healthy people. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) comprise a glycerol molecule attached to 3 fatty acid chains ranging between 6 to 12 carbons in length. Unlike most other lipid molecules that require a complex process of digestion, MCTs are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract. These features of MCTs confer unique benefits in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. As such, MCTs have historically been used to treat steatorrhea resulting from malabsorptive disorders, such as pancreatic insufficiency, prior gastrectomy and small bowel resection. Obesity is a major health issue in the West because people eat large amounts and get little physical exercise. Nowadays, in cities especially, people are adopting a sedentary, stressful life. Over half the population of some industrialised countries is overweight, leading to increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, all factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Due to its influence on thermo genesis and satiety, MCTs have been proposed to reduce obesity by increasing energy expenditure, reducing food intake and decreasing fat deposition in adipose tissue. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials in healthy adults showed that when compared with LCTs, MCTs reduced body weight, waist and hip circumference, total body fat, total subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.17 Serum lipid levels did not differ. MCTs have also been investigated for their potential to reduce obesity, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders.