Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a form of dietary saturated fat found within the bloodstream. MCTs are absorbed differently than short-chain triglycerides (SCTs) or long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), and are transferred directly to the liver to be readily used for energy. MCTs can be found naturally in human breast milk, cow and goat’s milk, coconut and palm kernel oils, coconut meat, and dried coconut.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, MCTs and LCTs are digested differently. MCTs are delivered straight to your liver through your circulatory system as they are smaller. Once in the liver, they are converted to usable energy. Since LCTs are larger, they require an additional step through your lymphatic system.
If you have heard of the keto or paleo diets, you’ll know that these two diets focus heavily on incorporating healthy fats into your daily food intake. Both keto and paleo often tout MCT oil as a great way to incorporate these fats, but MCT goes much further than being a great additive to the aforementioned diets. The following are benefits that may come with consuming MCT oil in general:
- Weight loss: read study here
- Energy boost: read study here
- Improved athletic endurance: read study here
- Reduced risk of metabolic syndrome: ready study here
- Supports memory function: ready study here
Did you know there are 4 different forms of MCTs, and that our Coromega formula contains the two best forms? Let’s take a look at the different forms, and what the benefits of each are in the following breakdown from Hunt & Gather, a leader in the clean eating movement:
- C6 (caproic acid triglycerides): C6 is liquid at room temperature (although still considered a saturated fat), slightly water-soluble and has a pungent and sour odor. Interestingly, it's used commercially as an artificial flavor enhancer, but is generally left out of MCT oil due to its undesirable flavor and smell.
- C8 (caprylic acid triglycerides): Totally odorless and liquid at room temp, C8 boosts ketone production and fat loss and increases energy. C8 MCT oil also offers antimicrobial properties. It's the most optimal MCT for ketone production.
- C10 (capric acid triglycerides): Behaves similarly to caprylic acid (C8), but the conversion from fatty acids into ketones takes a bit longer with this one. Many MCT products you'll find on the shelf will contain both C8 and C10. Some find that a blend of C8 and C10 is more gentle on the stomach than a pure C8.
- C12 (lauric acid triglycerides): While C12 also possesses antimicrobial properties, the length of the carbon chain adds even more time for your body to convert this type of fat to ketone energy (acting more like a long-chain fatty acid). For this reason, it's not as ideal as pure C8 MCT oil for raising your ketone levels.
Now that you’ve read up on all of the potential health benefits, are you ready to give MCT a try? Coromega offers some of the best MCT oil out on the market in our Max Ketogenic MCT Energy formula. Our proprietary formula contains the two best forms of MCT mentioned above: a mix of C8 and C10 MCT oil (from coconut). Our pre-workout squeeze shots come in two delicious flavors (chocolate brownie and lemon matcha) to give your body the maximum, clean-burning fuel it needs to help you on your journey to wellness. Try our Max Ketogenic MCT Energy today!