Medium-chain triglycerides and energy metabolism. Fatty acids are classified based on the length of their carbon chain structure: short-chain fatty acids (≤5 carbons), medium-chain fatty acids (6-12 carbons), and long-chain fatty acids (≥14 carbons). They can also be categorized as saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids depending on the presence and number of unsaturated bonds in their carbon chain structure.
Long-chain fatty acids with carbon atoms greater than 12 are the main source of dietary fat intake, while medium-chain fatty acids with carbon atoms between 6 and 12 are consumed in small amounts. Medium-chain fatty acids differ significantly from long-chain fatty acids in terms of physical properties, digestion and absorption, and metabolism in the body.
Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are fatty acids composed of 6-12 carbon atoms that are relatively scarce in nature. They are mainly derived from sources such as palm oil, coconut oil, dairy products, and their derivatives, primarily consisting of octanoic acid (C8H6O2) and decanoic acid (C0H20O2). MCFA exists in the form of triglycerides, known as MCT, in food. For example, coconut oil contains approximately 14% and palm oil contains approximately 7% MCT, while cow's milk and breast milk contain 1%-3%.
Physical properties of MCT
MCT consists only of saturated fatty acids, has a low melting point, good stability, and is not easily oxidized. MCT is a colorless, odorless transparent liquid and is compatible with various solvents, oils, antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene, and fat-soluble vitamins. It has a viscosity that is half that of regular vegetable oils, making it more spreadable and lubricating.
Due to its low smoke point and tendency to foam, MCT is not suitable as a cooking oil. Through enzymatic esterification technology, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) can be combined to form medium-long-chain triglycerides (MLCT), which is a new type of healthy edible oil.
Metabolic characteristics of MCT
Compared to long-chain triglycerides, MCT is more easily digested and absorbed. MCT has less dependence on bile salts and pancreatic enzymes and is readily hydrolyzed in the intestinal contents. Its hydrolysis products, MCFA, have shorter carbon chains and are easily absorbed. After absorption, MCFA binds with albumin and is directly transported to the liver through the portal vein without forming chylomicrons. MCFA participates in the peripheral circulation. In addition, MCFA can enter hepatocytes' mitochondria for β-oxidation without relying on carnitine, resulting in rapid and complete oxidation without significant accumulation in adipose and liver tissues. MCFA can stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, while the secretion of bile phospholipids and cholesterol is lower compared to long-chain fatty acids. In cases of pancreatic lipase or bile salt deficiency, MCFA can still be absorbed, while long-chain fatty acids cannot be absorbed.
Effects of MCT on Protein Metabolism
Experiments have shown that enteral nutrition formulations containing MCT/LCT can effectively reduce protein breakdown in patients with cerebral vascular accidents who cannot eat due to consciousness disorders, improve serum protein levels, and thus improve their nutritional status. In burn patients with a total burn area >30%, enteral nutrition formulations containing MCT/LCT can effectively reduce post-burn protein breakdown, increase serum protein levels, and improve the nutritional status of burn patients.
Effects of MCT on carbohydrate metabolism
Some studies suggest that MCT has anti-diabetic effects. MCT can reduce the accumulation of body fat and improve tissue and organ insulin resistance. Animal studies have shown that the improvement of glucose metabolism by MCT is related to the increase in adiponectin levels. Increased adiponectin can improve insulin sensitivity through the activation of insulin receptor substrates (IRS-1) related phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, AMP-activated protein kinase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), among others. Therefore, some people believe that MCT acts as an inducer of adiponectin. Research has shown that long-term consumption of MCT (18g per day for 90 days) by moderately obese type 2 diabetes patients can reduce body weight, waist circumference, and improve insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, studies have found that MCT can improve cognitive function in patients with acute hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.
Effects of MCT on lipid metabolism
Studies have shown that MCT can accelerate fat oxidation, significantly reduce body fat accumulation, and lower blood lipid levels. In a study involving 23 overweight men, they were randomly assigned to a high-fat diet containing structured medium-chain triglycerides (MLCT) or olive oil. Energy expenditure and body composition were measured using indirect calorimetry and magnetic resonance imaging. The study found that MLCT may increase short-term fat oxidation, but it cannot regulate body weight or obesity through energy expenditure. In another study, eight healthy premenopausal women consumed a high-fat diet containing high MCT for one week, followed by another week consuming a high-fat diet containing only long-chain triglycerides (LCT) as a self-control. Resting metabolic rate and postprandial energy expenditure were measured on Day 1 and Day 7 of each diet experiment. It was found that fat oxidation was significantly increased in the MCT group at 5.5 hours after a meal on Day 1 and Day 7. The experiment showed that consumption of MCT significantly increases postprandial fat metabolism in healthy women, but resting metabolic rate and average postprandial energy expenditure did not change.
Structured triglycerides containing medium-chain fatty acids and linoleic acid can alter the clearance rate of serum lipids in rats. Consumption of MCT can reduce body weight, body fat mass, liver weight, white adipocyte volume, and serum triglyceride levels in C57BL/6J mice fed a long-term high-fat diet. In both the long-term and short-term period, MCT can improve serum and liver lipid protein levels in mice.
HSF Biotech MCT Oil/Powder
HSF is a leading supplier of MCT oil and specializes in processing it into MCT powder. This MCT powder has gained popularity and is widely used by various brand manufacturers, as well as in specialized medical foods.
The MCT powder produced by HSF is available in different formulations to suit various dietary needs. One formulation is the vegetarian-friendly option, which uses plant-based ingredients like Arabica gum as a carrier. This formulation ensures that those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle can also enjoy the benefits of MCT oil.
Another formulation incorporates starch as a carrier for the MCT powder. Starch is a commonly used ingredient that enables easy dissolvability and enhances the texture of the final product. This formulation is suitable for a wider range of applications and provides a versatile option for manufacturers.
Additionally, HSF offers a third formulation that incorporates casein protein as a carrier for the MCT powder. This option is particularly useful for specialized medical foods that require the benefits of MCT oil along with the nutritional properties of casein protein.
HSF Biotech supplies MCT oil and offers various formulations of MCT powder to cater to different dietary preferences and applications. This MCT powder has gained widespread use among brand manufacturers and in specialized medical foods due to its health benefits and versatility.
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