MCT's and Fat Burning
- ciaralitchfield
- Feb 20, 2015
- 2 min read
What are MCT's?
MCT stands for Medium chain triglyceride. Triglycerides are fats and oils composed of a glycerol back bone and 3 fatty acid chains. As the name suggests the fatty acid chains in MCT’s are of medium length and primarily caprylic and capric fatty acids. Fats found in milk which are short chained while most other foods will contain long-chain triglycerides. Long-chain triglyceride consists of about 16-22 carbon atoms (the same type of fat that we store in our bodies). MCT’s only have 6-12 carbon atoms, this difference in molecular structure give rise to different behaviours in the body.
Dietary relevance
The benefits of MCT’s have been closely studied and a link has been found between their consumption and excess calorie burning resulting in weight loss. It also belived to give sustain energy levels, reduced food intake and oxidise fat!
The increased thermogenic effect (calorie burning) is likely due to the alternative digestive path they take. Long-chained triglycerides will be digested in our system once they are eaten while MCT’s skip this stage as they are absorbed into the blood stream. Once in the blood they can travel to the kidneys and be metabolised into easy access fast energy. In this sense they behave less like a fat and more like a carbohydrate, while is the fuel our bodies prefer to use. Being a source of energy means they are less likely to be stored as fat. Dr. Cullen said that having a meal which contains MCT’s results in more calories being burnt and less fat storage. This process result in lower body fat overall.
The metabolism of MCT results in the creation of ketones as a by-product. These can also be used as energy and tend to reduce our hunger. This characteristic is what’s made them popular into body building world. The presence of ketones in the blood indicates you are in a fat burning state. These reductions in body fat means muscles are more visible and defined. There may also be links between MCT’s and protein abortion thus aiding the growth and repair of muscles while training.
Medical Relevance
Without getting too complex.. Long chain fats need to be modified once they enter th body. Long chains are absorbed into the Lymphatic system which is part of the circulatory system. MCT's are able to enter the portal system passively from the GI tract and do not require the aid of bil salts. They are very low maintenance as they can be absorbed without the use of any energy. They can then be easily utilized or stored if they are not needed. This makes them a good treatment for people who have malabsorption syndromes or are generally malnourished.
MCT rich products include coconut and palm kernel oils. It takes the form of a pale yellow liquid at room temperature and can be used for cooking.
