Evidence supporting the use of: MCT / Medium Chain Triglycerides
For the health condition: Dementia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) have garnered scientific interest for their potential role in supporting cognitive function in dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. The rationale centers on the observation that the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's have impaired glucose metabolism, which is their primary energy source. MCTs are metabolized in the liver to produce ketone bodies, an alternative energy substrate that can be utilized by the brain. Several small clinical trials and pilot studies have explored whether MCT supplementation may improve cognitive outcomes in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Some studies, such as those using caprylic triglyceride formulations (e.g., AC-1202), have shown modest improvements in cognitive performance in specific subgroups of patients, especially those without the APOE4 gene. However, these effects are generally small, inconsistent across studies, and often not statistically significant in broader populations. Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclude that while there is a plausible mechanistic rationale and some early clinical promise, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is low, with most studies being short-term and underpowered.
In summary, the use of MCTs for dementia is supported by a scientific hypothesis and limited clinical evidence. Larger and more rigorous trials are needed to establish efficacy. As of now, the evidence is suggestive but insufficient to recommend MCTs as a standard treatment for dementia.
More about MCT / Medium Chain Triglycerides
More about Dementia
Other ingredients used for Dementia
Acetyl L-carnitinealgal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
bilberry
blueberry
Chinese salvia root
citicoline
turmeric
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
fish oil
folate
ginger
ginkgo biloba
grape
green tea
huperzine A
L-carnosine
lion's mane
luteolin
Marine lipid
Melatonin
omega-3 fatty acids
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pomegranate
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
selenium
Urolithin A
Vinpocetine
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
royal jelly
anserine
Alpha glyceryl
Acetylcholine
aniracetam
butylphthalide
beta-hydroxybutyrate
Basidiomycota
brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
centrophenoxine
Curcuminoid
Convolvulus prostratus
folic acid
fo-ti
fatty acids
flavanols
flavones
galantamine
ginkgolides
ginkgo flavone glycoside
Ginkgoside
ginkgoheteroside
gastrodin
Homotaurine
Idebenone
ketone salts
Polygala
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Sulbutiamine
Shankhpushpi
Trehalose
Vincamine
Xanthophyll
Other health conditions supported by MCT / Medium Chain Triglycerides
Alzheimer's DiseaseAthletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Convalescence
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Parkinson's Disease
Sugar Cravings
Weight Gain
Weight Loss