Evidence supporting the use of: MCT / Medium Chain Triglycerides
For the health condition: Sugar Cravings

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) have some scientific rationale for use in supporting or reducing sugar cravings, though the evidence is limited and not robust. MCTs are metabolized differently from long-chain triglycerides, being rapidly absorbed and converted to energy or ketones in the liver. Several small studies suggest that MCTs can promote satiety and reduce overall calorie intake compared to long-chain fats. For example, a few clinical trials have observed decreased hunger and reduced desire for sweet foods following MCT consumption, likely due to increased production of ketone bodies, which may have appetite-suppressing effects.

However, the direct link between MCT supplementation and a specific reduction in "sugar cravings" remains inadequately studied. Most existing research focuses on appetite, general satiety, and total caloric intake rather than cravings for sugar specifically. While some extrapolate that increased satiety may help curb cravings, this is an indirect and not consistently demonstrated effect.

Overall, there is some scientific basis—mostly mechanistic and from small human studies—for the claim that MCTs might help with managing sugar cravings via enhanced satiety and ketone production. However, larger and more targeted human trials are needed before MCTs can be confidently recommended for this specific purpose. The evidence supporting their use for sugar cravings is therefore limited and rates as modest (2/5).

More about MCT / Medium Chain Triglycerides
More about Sugar Cravings

Products containing MCT / Medium Chain Triglycerides

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.