Evidence supporting the use of: MCT / Medium Chain Triglycerides
For the health condition: Metabolic Syndrome
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) have been investigated for their potential benefits in metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The scientific basis for using MCTs lies in their unique absorption and metabolism. Unlike long-chain triglycerides, MCTs are absorbed directly into the portal circulation and rapidly oxidized for energy, which may enhance satiety and increase energy expenditure.
Several small clinical studies and animal experiments suggest that MCTs may promote modest weight loss, improve fat oxidation, and potentially reduce waist circumference, all of which are relevant to metabolic syndrome. Some evidence also suggests that MCTs may help improve insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles, though findings are inconsistent and generally weak.
A 2015 meta-analysis (St-Onge & Bosarge, 2015) found that replacing LCTs with MCTs resulted in small reductions in body weight and body fat in overweight individuals, but the impact on metabolic markers such as blood glucose and lipid profiles was limited. Most studies are short-term, use small sample sizes, and often lack rigorous controls.
Overall, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary human evidence supporting the use of MCTs for aspects of metabolic syndrome (mainly weight management), robust, long-term clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, the evidence is limited and does not strongly support the use of MCTs as a primary treatment for metabolic syndrome.
More about MCT / Medium Chain Triglycerides
More about Metabolic Syndrome
Other ingredients used for Metabolic Syndrome
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)7-Keto-DHEA
acai berry
akkermansia muciniphila
algal oil
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
anthocyanins
asparagus
bacillus subtilis
banaba
barley
berberine
Beta-Glucan
beta-sitosterol
bifidobacterium longum
bitter melon
black garlic
blueberry
brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
campesterol
camu camu
canola oil
caterpillar mushroom
chia seed
chokeberry
chromium
cinnamon
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
ginger
glucomannan
guar gum
hydroxycitric acid
inulin
krill oil
l-carnitine
lactobacillus helveticus
licorice root
mackerel
maitake mushroom
maqui berry
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
moringa
naringin
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
palmitoleic acid
quinoa
red yeast rice
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rye
sardines
spirulina
tocotrienols
trans-pterostilbene
Urolithin A
vanadium
vanadyl sulfate
vitamin C
vitamin D
wheat grass
whey protein
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
algae
kidney beans
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
1-deoxynojirimycin
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
12-methylcarnosic acid
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
4-hydroxyisoleucine
5,7-Dimethoxyflavone
6-Paradol
Alpha Glucans
Ankaflavin
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Antrodia camphorata
Auricularia
Antirrhinin
Avocado
Ascophyllum nodosum
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Ampelopsin
Alpha phytosterol
Algal protein
Arabinoxylan
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Arjunolic acid
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Blakeslea trispora
Bean
Betanin
Brazil nut
Charantin
California chia
Cardarine
Cyanobacteria
Capsinoids
Cyanidin
chlorogenic acid
Capsiate
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Calanus finmarchicus
Crocetin
Cynaropicrin
Cystoseira canariensis
corosolic acid
Crypthecodinium
Carnosic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Dihydrocapsiate
Dragon Fruit
Dihydrolipoic Acid
D-Pinitol
Diosgenin
Ergothioneine
Ecklonia
peanut
Pistachio
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