Unlocking the Potential of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) for Enhanced Nutrition
MCT is produced by esterification at Oleon’s state of the art production facilities. Complying with the latest regulatory requirements including GMP+ and FSSC22000 certification, Oleon is capable of producing high-quality MCT.
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of dietary fat that are composed of medium chain fatty acids. Unlike long chain triglycerides (LCTs), which are a more common type of dietary fat, MCTs have a unique structure that gives them distinctive properties and potential health benefits.
MCTs can be found naturally in certain foods such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy products. At Oleon, we make them from glycerin and C8 and C10 fatty acids. MCT is produced by esterification at Oleon’s state of the art production facilities. Complying with the highest quality standards, including GMP+ and FSSC 22000 certification.
The term "medium chain" refers to the length of the fatty acid chains that make up MCTs. These chains typically contain between 6 and 12 carbon atoms. Because of their shorter chain length, MCTs are more rapidly absorbed and metabolized by the body compared to LCTs. This rapid metabolism leads to several notable advantages:
- Quick Energy Source: Hydrolysis is much faster compared to long chain triglycerides. After portal vein uptake, bypassing the lymph system, the medium chain C8 and C10 fatty acids released from the MCT quickly undergo oxidation to form the ketone bodies. This makes MCTs particularly beneficial for individuals following a ketogenic diet or those looking for a readily available energy source, such as athletes.
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Ketones produced from MCT metabolism have been shown to provide fuel for the brain, potentially improving cognitive function and mental clarity. Research suggests that MCTs may be beneficial for individuals with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or epilepsy.
- Weight Management: MCTs have been studied for their potential role in weight management. Due to their ability to increase feelings of fullness and promote fat oxidation, MCTs may help support weight loss efforts when included as part of a balanced diet.
- Improved Digestibility: Unlike other types of fats, MCTs are easily digested and absorbed by the body, making them a suitable option for individuals with digestive issues or malabsorption disorders.
- Anti-catabolic and anabolic effects: Scientific research suggests that the effects of MCT reach further than an alternative, highly efficient energy source. MCT are suggested to have anti-catabolic and anabolic effects on muscle cells, thus improving muscle growth. MCT will supply energy to the key tissues (brain, heart, and muscles) without promoting body fat deposition.
The benefits of MCT are, however, not only limited to use in human nutrition. Also animals have proven to benefit a lot from it. Therefore, it is, amongst others, a popular ingredient in pet food focused on senior pets. The goal is to protect the vitality and brain function upon aging.
Which other beneficial effects were studied in scientific literature?
In a study conducted by Manteca et al. (2004), supplementation of small piglets (<1250g) with a medium-chain triglyceride emulsion within the initial three days of life demonstrated a significantly enhanced survival rate. Non-supplemented small piglets exhibited a 1.9-fold higher hazard of mortality (P <0.05) compared to their supplemented counterparts with equivalent birth weights.
Furthermore, research by Azain et al. (2014) revealed that supplementation of sow diets with MCT prior to parturition and throughout the initial seven days of lactation led to improved survival rates among all piglets, with the most pronounced effects observed in small (<900g) piglets. Notably, the survival rate increase associated with MCT supplementation surpassed that observed with supplementation of long-chain triglycerides.
In a trial conducted by Oleon, MCT supplementation in shrimp diets resulted in a notable enhancement in shrimp mass, with treatments incorporating MCT yielding a 3.8% increase in mass. This translated to a remarkable return on investment (ROI) exceeding fourfold.
These findings underscore the potential benefits of MCT supplementation in enhancing survival rates and growth performance in various animal species, highlighting the promising applications of MCTs in animal nutrition and production systems.
Convinced MCT could also benefit your business? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Oleon Nutrition team.
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