medium chain triglycerides

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

medium chain triglycerides are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and transported directly to the liver through the portal vein. In the liver, they are quickly converted into energy in the form of ketones or used as substrates for energy production.  

It is a form of dietary supplements or nutritional products and typically contain a purified form of medium chain triglycerides derived from natural sources such as coconut oil. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Decreased HDL cholesterol   

Abdominal pain 

Nausea 

Bloating  

Diarrhea  

Increased serum triglycerides  

Abdominal cramps 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or other sources of medium chain triglycerides should avoid medium chain triglycerides supplements. 

Caution: 

• Individuals with severe liver dysfunction or liver disease should take caution when consuming medium chain triglycerides.  
• Individuals with certain malabsorption syndromes or digestive disorders may have difficulty tolerating medium chain triglycerides. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

medium chain triglycerides have a higher ketogenic capacity than LCTs. Ketones, such as beta-hydroxybutyrate, are produced during the metabolism of MCTs, which can be used as an alternative energy source for the brain and other tissues when glucose availability is limited. 

Pharmacodynamics 

Limited information available  

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

medium chain triglycerides are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. 

Distribution 

medium chain triglycerides are transported through the bloodstream. 

Metabolism 

medium chain triglycerides are metabolized into energy.  

Elimination and excretion 

medium chain triglycerides are excreted from the body primarily through respiration and urine.

Adminstartion

Administration 

medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are available as dietary supplements in the form of MCT oil or MCT powder.  

MCT oil is a concentrated source of MCTs derived from natural sources such as coconut oil or palm kernel oil. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: medium chain triglycerides 

Why do we use medium chain triglycerides? 

medium chain triglycerides are commonly used in ketogenic diets, which are high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets designed to promote ketosis.  medium chain triglycerides can be beneficial for individuals with certain medical conditions that affect fat absorption, such as cystic fibrosis or certain gastrointestinal disorders.   

medium chain triglycerides are a quick and readily available source of energy. When consumed, they are rapidly absorbed, where they are efficiently converted into energy.