Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) have been investigated as a potential dietary intervention for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). MCTs are absorbed and metabolized differently from long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), being transported directly to the liver via the portal vein and rapidly oxidized for energy rather than stored as fat. This unique metabolic pathway has led researchers to hypothesize that MCTs might help reduce hepatic fat accumulation.

Several small-scale animal and human studies suggest that replacing some dietary fats with MCTs may decrease liver fat content and improve lipid metabolism. For example, rodent models of NAFLD have shown that MCT supplementation can reduce hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Limited human studies have reported modest reductions in liver fat and improvements in metabolic markers with MCT-enriched diets, but findings are inconsistent and often confounded by factors such as overall calorie restriction and weight loss.

Current scientific evidence is still preliminary and does not provide strong clinical recommendations for MCT supplementation as a standalone therapy for fatty liver disease. Most guidelines prioritize weight loss, exercise, and overall dietary improvement. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and some early supportive data, the clinical evidence is weak and insufficient for widespread recommendation. More rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety.