Image source: pixabay.com
A trend to watch is the increased use of liquid or powdered medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) extracted from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, desiccated coconut, and raw coconut meat. MCT usually has two or three of the fatty acid chains belong to medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCT), MCT will be broken down into glycerol and MCFAs, which will be directly absorbed into the bloodstream and thereby transported to the target organs.
MCT's potential extends beyond weight loss and increased muscle mass. A study involving premature infants demonstrated that dietary supplementation with MCT might be an effective non-pharmacological method to reduce candida colonization in their GI tracts.[6] Additionally, a ketogenic diet with the addition of MCT has shown results for drug-resistant epilepsy. The ketogenic diet comprises high levels of fat and low carbohydrate.[7]
However, the jury is still out. As with any new trend proceed with caution. If a client is presenting with liver issues, this study demonstrated that MCT oil has shown detrimental hepatic effects despite being recommended for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease[8] and should be used with caution.[9] The dose is also important. Excessive intake of oral MCT oil has been associated with gastrointestinal distress, such as abdominal discomfort, cramping, gassiness, bloating, and diarrhea.[10] If these symptoms are encountered, reduce the dosage to one teaspoon per day.
References:
[1] Wang, Y., Liu, Z., Han, Y., Xu, J., Huang, W., & Li, Z. (2018). Medium Chain Triglycerides enhances exercise endurance through the increased mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism. PloS one, 13(2), e0191182. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191182
[2] Abe S, Ezaki O, Suzuki M (2016). Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Combination with Leucine and Vitamin D Increase Muscle Strength and Function in Frail Elderly Adults in a Randomized Controlled Trial.
J Nutr. May; 146(5):1017-26
[3] St-Onge, M. P., Bosarge, A., Goree, L. L., & Darnell, B. (2008). Medium chain triglyceride oil consumption as part of a weight loss diet does not lead to an adverse metabolic profile when compared to olive oil. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 27(5), 547–552. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2008.10719737
[4] St-Onge, M. P., Bosarge, A., Goree, L. L., & Darnell, B. (2008). Medium chain triglyceride oil consumption as part of a weight loss diet does not lead to an adverse metabolic profile when compared to olive oil. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 27(5), 547–552. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2008.10719737
[5] Benlloch, M., López-Rodríguez, M. M., Cuerda-Ballester, M., Drehmer, E., Carrera, S., Ceron, J. J., Tvarijonaviciute, A., Chirivella, J., Fernández-García, D., & de la Rubia Ortí, J. E. (2019). Satiating Effect of a Ketogenic Diet and Its Impact on Muscle Improvement and Oxidation State in Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Nutrients, 11(5), 1156. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051156
[6] Arsenault, A. B., Gunsalus, K., Laforce-Nesbitt, S. S., Przystac, L., DeAngelis, E. J., Hurley, M. E., Vorel, E. S., Tucker, R., Matthan, N. R., Lichtenstein, A. H., Kumamoto, C. A., & Bliss, J. M. (2019). Dietary Supplementation With Medium-Chain Triglycerides Reduces Candida Gastrointestinal Colonization in Preterm Infants. The Pediatric infectious disease journal, 38(2), 164–168. https://doi.org/10.1097/INF.0000000000002042
[7] Chang, P., Terbach, N., Plant, N., Chen, P. E., Walker, M. C., & Williams, R. S. (2013). Seizure control by ketogenic diet-associated medium chain fatty acids. Neuropharmacology, 69, 105–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.11.004
[8] Dietary medium chain triglycerides prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. ScienceDaily. (2013). Retrieved 4 August 2020, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130424161110.htm.
[9] Guimarães, J., Bargut, T., Mandarim-de-Lacerda, C. A., & Aguila, M. B. (2019). Medium-chain triglyceride reinforce the hepatic damage caused by fructose intake in mice. Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids, PLEFA 140, 64–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plefa.2018.11.005
[10] hah, N., & Limketkai, B. (2017). The Use of Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Gastrointestinal Disorders. Med.virginia.edu. Retrieved 4 August 2020, from https://med.virginia.edu/ginutrition/wp-content/uploads/sites/199/2014/06/Parrish-February-17.pdf.