Evidence supporting the use of: Medium Chain Triglycerides
For the health condition: Epilepsy

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are scientifically validated as a dietary intervention to support epilepsy, particularly in individuals with drug-resistant forms of the condition. Their use is grounded in the principles of the ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate regimen known for its anti-epileptic effects since the 1920s. MCTs are rapidly metabolized in the liver to ketone bodies, which can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain and may help reduce seizure frequency. The "MCT diet," a variant of the classic ketogenic diet, was developed in the 1970s to allow greater carbohydrate and protein intake while still achieving ketosis. Several clinical studies, especially in children with refractory epilepsy, have shown that both the traditional ketogenic diet and the MCT-based version can significantly reduce seizure frequency. The mechanism is thought to involve the neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties of ketones, although the precise pathways remain under investigation. MCTs are preferred in some cases because they produce ketones more efficiently and can make the diet more palatable and sustainable. While more research is needed to refine protocols and understand long-term outcomes, the current body of evidence supports the use of MCTs as part of dietary therapy for epilepsy, particularly when standard treatments are insufficient.

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