Keto Mct Powder: How Does It Work?

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a class of fats found in certain foods like coconuts. MCT oil is a supplement made from these fats, which are metabolised more quickly than the typical fats we get in our diet. MCT oil is usually made from coconut or palm kernel oil, and it has a higher concentration of MCTs compared to coconut oil. This means that the body breaks it down more quickly and uses it for energy. MCT oil is often used as part of the high-fat, low-carb ketogenic (keto) diet, and it can be helpful for reaching ketosis. MCT oil powder is made from MCT oil using a process called spray drying, which turns the liquid oil into a solid powder. This powder can be added to drinks or recipes, and it has similar benefits to MCT oil. Some people find that MCT powder is easier to digest and more convenient to use.

MCT oil is a supplement made from medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat

MCTs are a form of saturated fatty acid and consist of four different types based on their carbon length. They are the ideal source of energy because they don't rely on other enzymes for absorption in the body. MCT oil is made from pure MCTs extracted from whole foods, usually coconut and/or palm oil.

MCTs are a much faster source of energy than most fats, making them the ultimate keto-approved fat source. When the body uses ketones as its main source of fuel instead of glucose (from carbs), it can enter and remain in a state of ketosis. MCT oil is powerful because it helps make those ketones readily available for the body to use, making ketosis easier to achieve and maintain.

MCTs are also a great source of clean and sustainable energy. Both the liquid and powder forms of MCTs provide a great source of energy, but MCT oil powder is recommended for beginners as it is easier on the digestive system.

MCT oil powder is also:

• Convenient: You can pack it in smaller containers and take it to the gym or the office without the risk of it spilling. It's also considerably lighter.
• Flexible: It mixes effortlessly into drinks and is easy to combine with other supplements such as exogenous ketones or a collagen supplement.
• Easier on the digestive system: This allows you to consume more at once, which may lead to potentially higher energy and ketone levels.
• Great to cook with: Powder is easier to incorporate into some recipes – especially baking!

Additionally, when the powder used is a high-quality fiber like acacia, it may provide extra benefits such as normalizing bowel movements, reducing inflammation in the gut, and providing a longer sense of fullness, which may support weight loss efforts.

MCT oil supplements can be taken anytime, but many people use them in the morning as a dairy-free creamer, in the afternoon to help control hunger, or before a workout to improve training intensity and recovery.

MCT oil is usually made from coconut or palm kernel oil

MCT oil is usually made from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. Both of these naturally contain MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which are a type of saturated fat. Coconut oil is made from the kernel or meat of coconuts and is the richest natural source of MCTs, comprising about 54% of the fat in copra.

Palm kernel oil is made from the kernel of the palm fruit. While the oil from the pulp of the palm fruit is called palm oil, it has very little C8 and C10, which are the medium-chain fatty acids that make up MCT oil.

MCT oil is made through a process called fractionation, which separates the MCT from the original oil and concentrates it. This process can be applied to either coconut oil or palm kernel oil to produce MCT oil.

MCT oil is a popular supplement, particularly for those following a keto diet, due to its potential benefits such as aiding in fat absorption, weight management, boosting energy, and easing inflammation.

MCT oil is easily digestible and quickly absorbed by the body

The rapid absorption of MCTs is further facilitated by their ability to reach the liver quickly, bypassing peripheral tissues. Additionally, MCTs can cross the double membrane of the mitochondria, the energy-producing unit of the cell, more efficiently due to the size of their carbon bonds. This enhances their conversion into energy.

MCT oil is typically derived from coconut or palm kernel oil through a process called fractionation, which separates and concentrates the MCTs. This results in a product that is 100% MCTs or a mixture of MCTs and LCTs. The high concentration of MCTs in the oil contributes to its ease of digestion and absorption, setting it apart from other types of fats.

The ease of digestion and absorption of MCT oil makes it a popular supplement, especially among those following a ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a high-fat, low-carb approach that aims to shift the body's fuel source from glucose to ketones, which are produced by breaking down fat. MCT oil supports this process by aiding in the production of ketones and providing a quick source of energy during the transition to ketosis.

MCT oil has also gained popularity due to its potential benefits, which include weight management, improved cognitive function, and reduced risk of certain health conditions. However, it is important to note that while MCT oil is generally safe for moderate use, excessive consumption may lead to side effects such as digestive issues and increased cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is recommended to consume MCT oil within suggested limits and consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

MCT oil can be used as a quick energy source and may aid weight loss

MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil, is a supplement that has become popular among athletes and bodybuilders. It is sourced from coconut oil or palm kernel oil and is popular for its potential benefits such as aiding in weight management and boosting energy.

MCT oil can be used as a quick energy source as it is easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. Due to their shorter chain length, MCTs travel more quickly from the gut to the liver and do not require bile to break down like longer-chain fats. In the liver, the fats are broken down to be used as fuel or stored as body fat. Since MCTs easily enter your bloodstream without being broken down, they can be used as an immediate source of energy.

When on a ketogenic diet, MCTs can also be converted into ketones in the liver. These ketones can pass through the blood-brain barrier, making them a source of energy for your brain cells.

MCT oil may also support weight loss and fat loss. A review of 13 randomised controlled trials found that MCTs supported modest weight loss, fat loss, and reduced body size. However, high doses of MCT oil may increase the amount of fat in the liver in the long term, so more research is needed on the long-term effects of MCT oil.

MCT oil may help manage certain health conditions

Digestive Problems

If you have trouble digesting fat or absorbing nutrients, your doctor may suggest you incorporate more MCTs into your diet. This is because MCTs are smaller molecules of fat that are more easily absorbed by the liver, providing faster energy.

Seizures

A high-fat ketogenic diet that includes MCT oil has been shown to ease seizures. This type of diet can help children with epilepsy who don't respond well to drug treatment.

Diabetes

MCT oil may help people with type 1 diabetes think more clearly when they have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). For those with type 2 diabetes, MCT oil may help reduce body fat and improve insulin resistance, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Autism

Some studies suggest that adding MCT oil to a ketogenic, gluten-free diet may help improve symptoms in children with autism. However, more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Neurological Disorders

MCT oil may help manage certain neurological conditions by improving problems with thinking, memory, or judgment. For people with Alzheimer's disease, MCT oil may be beneficial as their brains often struggle to use glucose efficiently. Using ketones as an alternative energy source may help improve brain function.

Heart Disease

A keto diet that includes MCT oil can help with weight loss, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, MCT oil can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol while increasing "good" HDL cholesterol.

Skin Infections

The lauric acid in MCT oil acts as an antimicrobial agent, breaking down bacteria and virus walls to treat skin infections.

Candida Infections

Adding MCT oil to formula has been shown to reduce candida infections in preterm infants.

Blood Sugar Levels

Some studies suggest that MCT oil may help manage blood sugar levels, particularly for those with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, other studies have shown conflicting results, so more research is needed.

Energy and Weight Management

MCT oil is easily absorbed and provides an immediate source of energy. It may also support weight loss by promoting satiety and increasing thermogenesis, the metabolic process that burns calories to produce heat.

Athletic Endurance

MCT oil can help improve athletic endurance by reducing lactate levels, a marker of fatigue in exercising muscles.

Gut Health

MCT oil can help control bacterial and yeast overgrowth in the gut, improving gut health and reducing gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating.

Inflammation

MCT oil has been linked to reduced inflammation and may help manage certain inflammatory conditions.

Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Autism

MCT oil, in combination with a ketogenic diet, has been shown to help manage epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and autism. However, it is important to note that MCT oil is not a replacement for prescription medications or medical treatments, and you should consult your doctor before starting any supplements.

Frequently asked questions