What is MCT Oil?
MCT oil is a specially engineered fat which contains
medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). It provides twice the energy of protein and
carbohydrate (8.3 calories per gram versus four) and is absorbed into the
bloodstream as rapidly as glucose. MCT oil is preferentially used as fuel for
energy instead of being stored as body fat. As an added benefit, MCT oil has a
thermogenic effect because it is converted to energy very rapidly. In short, it
is an extremely concentrated source of calories that is rapidly absorbed and
metabolized for energy by the body.*
MCT Oil – a truly underrated supplement.
Shedding body fat and getting ripped takes determination,
willpower, and discipline. People are always looking for that ‘miracle
supplement’, or ‘silver bullet’ to make it easier. Truth be told, nothing will
make it easy. You are still going to have to work your butt off. However, there
are a few tips and tricks that could help get you there quicker. One such tip
is increasing your intake of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) or MCT oil.*
Instead of being metabolized through the digestion process
like other fats are, MCTs are taken straight to the liver where they act very
similar to carbohydrates, providing instant — and well sustained — energy.*
TRY THIS: If you want to feel the effects of this for
yourself, put a tablespoon of MCTs in your coffee, this an effect you WILL feel
— and it feels like you gave your body turbo fuel. This coffee trick before the
gym, WOW!!!*
But it’s not just the energy you get that’s interesting.
MCTs improve blood sugar regulation (yay!), improve metabolism (especially fat
metabolism), may improve thyroid function, improve appetite regulation, and are
used to treat many ailments (Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, seizures, cystic fibrosis,
etc.).*
As far as brain function goes, MCT oil is like rocket fuel
because it enhances ketone production. Ketones, of course, are a more efficient
fuel for your brain. Using MCTs to outwork your competition could be your
unfair advantage.*
See All LifeSource Vitamins Complete Line of MCT
Oil products:
Click
Here
How Can MCT Oil be used in a Muscle-Building
Program?
MCT oil is a key supplement if your goal is building muscle
mass for three major reasons. First, it helps spare protein from being used as
an energy source and, therefore, your aminos get used for muscle building. This
is because some of the energy from MCT oil is converted by the liver into
ketone bodies which are used as easily as glucose for fuel. Thus, these ketone
bodies replace some of the amino acids used in metabolism and leave them for
use in building mass. MCT oil also decreases catabolism of skeletal muscle
protein. The efficient utilization of ketones as fuel improves as the body
adapts to MCT oil. In other words, your body gets better at using this
supplement as it gets used to it. Thus, using it consistently will allow you to
get more out of it when you need it.*
Second, MCT oil can be used to help increase your caloric
intake. Gradually increasing calories builds your metabolism so that your body
can move into an anabolic state. For several weeks, concentrate on increasing
your calories by 300 to 500 a day to build muscle. Using MCT oil along with
protein or carbohydrate powders if your goal is to gain at least one pound of
muscle a week. (As you gain weight, monitor your body composition once a week
to make sure you are gaining lean mass and not body fat.)*
The third way MCT oil helps is by having a possible effect
on growth hormone levels. Researchers in Spain have proven MCFAs can cause more
than a 900-percent increase in GH levels - a peak is reached two hours after
ingesting it and is maintained for over three hours. If you are eating every
two to three hours like you should be and supplementing with MCT oil, you can
keep your GH level naturally elevated all day.*
In theory, this lets you have the muscle-building actions of
GH and insulin without suffering the fat-building effects which usually
accompany insulin. I think it is easy then to understand why MCT oil is the
perfect supplement to a muscle-building diet.*
See All
LifeSource Vitamins Workout Products, Articles, and Studies:
Click
Here
MCTs, Energy, and Exercise
The energy-enhancing properties of MCTs are attributed to
the fact that they cross the double mitochondrial membrane very rapidly and do
not require the presence of carnitine, as do LCTs (Fig. 2). The result is an
excess of acetyl-coA, which then follows various metabolic pathways, both in
the mitochondria (Krebs Cycle) and in the cytosol, resulting in the production
of ketones. Scientists attribute the increased energy from the consumption of MCTs
to the rapid formation of ketone bodies. MCTs are thus a good choice for anyone
who has increased energy needs, as following major surgery, during normal or
stunted growth, to enhance athletic performance, and to counteract the
decreased energy production that results from aging.*
In recent years MCTs have gained in popularity with
athletes seeking to increase energy levels and enhance endurance during
high-intensity exercise, as well as serving as an alternative energy source for
athletes on high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. Researchers have previously
shown that MCTs can increase physical endurance in animal studies. In swimming
capacity tests, mice fed a diet containing MCTs outperformed mice fed a diet
containing LCTs. (3) The researchers noted that the muscles of mice fed the
MCTs produced higher levels of key metabolic enzymes (3-oxo acid
CoA-transferase, citrate synthase and malate dehydrogenase) involved in the
Krebs cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle), the body’s primary energy production
mechanism. MCT-fed mice also burned fat at a higher rate to enhance cellular
energy production.
MCT’s and Weight Control
In addition to their lower caloric content than LCTs, MCTs
are not stored in fat deposits in the body as much as LCTs. (2) Furthermore,
MCTs have been shown to enhance thermogenesis (i.e., fat burning). (4) So MCTs
seem to offer a triple approach to weight loss – they (1) have a lower calorie
content than other fats, (2) are minimally stored as fat, and (3) contribute to
enhanced metabolism to burn even more calories. This third property may be due
to the fact that MCTs behave metabolically in some fashion similar to
carbohydrates, as well as they are promoting the development of ketones, as
mentioned above. (5) Ketone production is a cornerstone of the Atkins Diet, and
MCTs may enable those following the Atkins’ program to more rapidly obtain
benefits and more easily adhere to the program. Ketones are also one of the two
substances which the brain can utilize for energy (glucose, being the other).
Dr. Hans Kaunitz speculated that for this reason, MCTs might be advantageous
for the aging brain. (6)*
Kaunitz and colleagues performed a study on rats, to
compare the effects of diets in which the fat was provided by MCTs or lard. The
MCT-fed rats lost significant weight, although their calorie consumption was
the same as the lard-fed rats. In addition, Kaunitz described the MCT-fed rats
as having “an excellent survival rate.” In another study, researchers observed
decreased weight gains, reduced fat content, and unchanged whole-body protein
content in MCT-fed animals compared to control animals fed LCTs. In a third study,
fat deposits in rats fed diets high in MCTs were 23 percent less than in
LCT-fed rats.*
Animal results have been supported by human trials. In one
study researchers fed six lean and six obese young males’ meals containing
either long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) or MCTs plus LCTs. In both the lean and
obese individuals, post-meal thermogenesis (fat burning) was enhanced after
consuming meals containing MCTs. 7In another study involving a group of obese
women on a restricted diet researchers noted that insulin profiles improved
when MCTs comprised 24 percent of the total consumed calories. (8)*
Calorie-restricted diets are often associated with marked
declines in energy. A number of studies support the benefits of using MCTs in
weight loss programs to boost energy levels and increase fatty acid metabolism
to aid in reducing fat deposits. In one study when researchers in
Czechoslovakia treated 60 obese patients with MCT oil they concluded that MCTs
offered a number of benefits, stating, “Administration of… medium-chain fatty
acids can…improve the long-term success of diet therapy of obese patients.” (9)*
In addition to their lower caloric content than LCTs, MCTs
are not stored in fat deposits in the body as much as LCTs. (2) Furthermore,
MCTs have been shown to enhance thermogenesis (i.e., fat burning). (4) So MCTs
seem to offer a triple approach to weight loss – they (1) have a lower calorie
content than other fats, (2) are minimally stored as fat, and (3) contribute to
enhanced metabolism to burn even more calories. This third property may be due
to the fact that MCTs behave metabolically in some fashion similar to
carbohydrates, as well as they're promoting the development of ketones, as
mentioned above. (5) Ketone production is a cornerstone of the Atkins Diet, and
MCTs may enable those following the Atkins’ program to more rapidly obtain
benefits and more easily adhere to the program. Ketones are also one of the two
substances which the brain can utilize for energy (glucose, being the other).
Dr. Hans Kaunitz speculated that for this reason, MCTs might be advantageous
for the aging brain. (6)*
See All LifeSource
Vitamins Diet & Weight Loss Products, Articles, and Studies:
Click
Here
Appetite Control
MCTs have been shown to suppress appetite, an ability of obvious
benefit for those attempting to lower their intake of total calories. In one
14-day study, six healthy male volunteers were allowed unlimited access to one
of three diets: a low MCT diet, a medium MCT diet, and a high MCT diet. Caloric
consumption was significantly lower on the high MCT diet. The researchers noted
that substituting MCTs for other fats in a high-fat diet “can limit the excess
energy intakes and weight gain produced by high-fat, energy-dense diets.*
MCT’s and Atherosclerosis
MCTs have a number of properties that may be beneficial in
preventing atherosclerosis. Among these are that MCTs have anti-coagulation
effects, and have been shown to lower serum cholesterol in rats 11 and calves
(Fig. 3). (12) In addition, MCTs reduce levels of cholesterol in the liver and
other tissues. (5,13) MCTs have also been reported to act as antioxidants and
reduce tissue requirements for Vitamin E. (6)*
MCTs have a slight hypoglycemic (blood glucose-lowering)
effect, and thus may be useful for diabetics, or anyone with a tendency for
pre-diabetes (which includes just about everyone over 35). It may be the
combination of the glucose and lipid-lowering effects of MCTs that resulted in
Kaunitz’ report that “the life span [of experimental animals] is longer when the
diet is richer in MCTs than LCTs.”*
Finally, another testimony to the benefit of MCTs in
preventing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease is the country of Sri
Lanka. In the 1978 Demographic Yearbook of the United Nations, the causes of
death in many countries were reported. Sri Lanka reported a death rate due to
ischemic heart disease of 1 per 1,000,000. The figures for most countries
varied from 38.4 to 187.7. It is significant that the predominant dietary fat
in Sri Lanka is coconut oil, which contains over 50 percent MCTs.*
MCTs and Immune Enhancement
To evaluate the immune-normalizing properties of MCTs,
Kaunitz and colleagues injected rats with rabbit immune serum, known to cause
severe autoimmune kidney disease in the rats. They then administered MCT in the
diet and noted that the pathological changes in the kidneys were much reduced
in the MCT-treated group. Kaunitz speculated that MCTs could thus have a
positive effect “on autoimmune reactions characteristic of the aging process.”*
MCTs and Medicine
MCTs have proven useful in treating a number of medical
disorders that involve impaired or damaged lipid (fat) metabolism. These
include obstructive jaundice, biliary cirrhosis, pancreatitis, cystic
fibrosis, celiac disease, Whipple’s disease, Crohn’s disease, regional
enteritis, and malabsorption in neonates. MCT has been reported to be useful
for feeding of newborn infants, to both assist their initial growth and to
contribute to their physiological development. The absorption of calcium and
magnesium appears to be enhanced when the diet contains MCTs, particularly in
infants, and the absorption of amino acids also appears to be improved. Thus,
MCTs can be a useful addition to the diet of those suffering from any form of
malnutrition or tissue wasting. In this regard, MCTs are often added to
parenteral formulas for intravenous feeding following surgery or during
recovery from severe injuries, burns, and infections.*
Conclusion
The major adverse effect that is noted by beginning users
of MCTs is nausea and gastric discomfort. This can be minimized or eliminated
by starting with very small doses (i.e., about 1/4 teaspoon several times
daily), and increasing the dose as tolerated. Before long, MCT can be taken by
the tablespoonful. MCT oil can be used as a salad dressing, and as a cooking
oil.
However, MCT should not be heated to temperatures above 150-160 degrees C,
because it will oxidize and breakdown, adversely affecting the taste.
With
those few caveats, MCTs are an especially beneficial supplement for fueling
physical exertion, given their high energy density content, a rapid rate of
absorption and quick metabolic conversion into cellular energy. Additionally
MCTs can be quickly mobilized in the post-exercise recovery phase to rebuild
muscles and prevent the breakdown of proteins (catabolism) that can occur when
the body is putting a maximum demand on the body’s energy reserves.
STUDY:
A groundbreaking 2004 study published in the journal
Neurobiology of Aging found that the administration of medium-chain
triglycerides (MCTs), the primary fat type found in coconut oil, almost
immediately improved cognitive function in older adults with memory disorders.
The study involved 20 subjects with Alzheimer's disease or
mild cognitive impairment who, on separate days, were given either emulsified
MCTs or a placebo. The researchers observed a significant increase in blood
plasma levels of the ketone body beta-hydroxylutyrate (beta-OHB) after only 90
minutes of treatment, and depending on the apolipoprotein E genotype of the
subject tested, beta-OHB levels either continued to rise or held constant
between the 90 and 120-minute blood draws in the treatment condition.
Remarkably, cognitive testing revealed that this brief MCT treatment
facilitated improved performance on the Alzheimer's disease Assessment
Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog) in 4 subjects within the study group.
Moreover, "higher ketone values were associated with greater improvement
in paragraph recall with MCT treatment relative to placebo across all subjects
(P=0.02)."[i]
The details of this study procedure were
described as follows:
The study was conducted with a double-blind placebo-controlled design with two study visits. During each visit, subjects received
one of two isocaloric conditions (690calories) in a randomized order:
emulsified MCTs, or emulsified long-chain triglycerides as a placebo. NeoBee
895 (Stepan, Inc.) was used for MCTs. To increase palatability, heavy whipping
cream was used as a source of long-chain triglycerides and as a source of long-chain mono- and di-glycerides for emulsification. MCTs (40ml) were blended with
152ml heavy whipping cream to create the emulsified test sample. Heavy whipping
cream alone (232ml) was blended to create the placebo.
Subjects fasted from 8:00 p.m. on the night prior to the
study visit. They arrived in the morning and blood was drawn to determine
plasma β-OHB levels and APOE genotyping (first visit only). Subjects then
consumed the test beverage and rested quietly for 90min, after which blood was
drawn and a 30-min cognitive testing session ensued. After testing, a final
blood draw was taken.
Proudly Made in the USA!
Every LifeSource Vitamins product exceeds all regulatory standards and
requirements set forth in the FDA's Code of Federal Regulation.
(
21 CFR, part 111
)
as well as all Good Manufacturing Practices enforced by the FDA. CGMP's
provide for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of
manufacturing processes and facilities.
(
CGMP
).
LifeSource Vitamins: Driven by Faith ~ Powered by God
Have Questions on this or any other product or health issue for you or a
loved one? It can be overwhelming we know. Call us, we will walk you
through what supplements will help you and which ones you really don’t
need. It’s what we do! Toll-Free: 800-567-8122
LifeSource Vitamins – Founded in 1992
100% of our profits are donated to Christian Organizations like these
and many others worldwide:
Campus Crusade for Christ - CRU
The Jesus Film Project
World Vision
The Tim Tebow Foundation
Compassion International
Samaritan’s Purse
The Herman and Sharron Show on CTN (Christian Television Network)
and many more…
www.LifesourceVitamins.com
E-mail Us: info@LifesourceVitamins.com
or Call Us: 800.567.8122
We Are Built on Compassion - Driven by Faith & Powered by God!
*Disclaimer:
None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products
are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
As always, consult your physician before taking any and all
supplements.
LifeSource Vitamins. Individual results may vary.
Disclaimer:
All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the
opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the
entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies
have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on
the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the
article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your
health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing
your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own
hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care
professional.
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical
conditions, always consult your health care professional before taking
supplements based on the information on this site.
LifeSource Vitamins: from the nutrients we choose, to the way we run
our business, we answer to God in all we do!
REFERENCES:
1. Babayan, V.K. Medium chain fatty acid esters and their medical and nutritional applications. J Am Oil Chem Soc, 1981, 58: 49A-51A.
2. Kaunitz, H. Dietary use of MCT in “Bilanzierte Ernaehrung in der Therapie,” K. Lang, W. Fekl, and G. Berg, eds. George Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, 1971.
3. Fushiki T, Matsumoto K, Inoue K, Kawada T, Sugimoto E. Swimming endurance capacity of mice is increased by chronic consumption of medium-chain triglycerides. J Nutr 1995 Mar;125(3):531-9.
4. Baba, N., Bracco, E.F., Seylar, J., Hashim, S.A. Enhanced thermogenesis and diminished deposition of fat in response to overfeeding with diets containing medium chain triglycerides. J Am Soc Clin Nutrition, 1981, 34: 624.
5. Bach, A.C., and Babayan, V.K. Medium-chain triglycerides: An update. Am J Clin Nutr, 1982, 36: 950-962.
6. Kaunitz, H., Slanetz, C.A., Johnson, R.E., Babayan, V.K., Garsky, G. Nutritional properties of the triglycerides of medium chain-length. J Am Oil Chem Soc, 1958, 35: 10-13.
7. Scalfi L, Coltorti A, Contaldo F. Postprandial thermogenesis in lean and obese subjects after meals supplemented with medium-chain and long-chain triglycerides. Am J Clin Nutr 1991 May;53(5):1130-3.
8. 6. Yost TJ, Eckel RH. Hypocaloric feeding in obese women: metabolic effects of medium-chain triglyceride substitution. Am J Clin Nutr 1989 Feb;49(2):326-30.
9. Hainer V, Kunesova M, Stich V, Zak A, Parizkova J. The role of oils containing triacylglycerols and medium-chain fatty acids in the dietary treatment of obesity. The effect on resting energy expenditure and serum lipids. Cas Lek Cesk 1994 Jun 13;133(12):373-5.
10. Stubbs RJ, Harbron CG. Covert manipulation of the ratio of medium- to long-chain triglycerides in isoenergetically dense diets: effect on food intake in ad libitum feeding men. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1996 May;20(5):435-44.
11. Kaunitz, H., Slanetz, C.A., Johnson, R.E., Babayan, V.K. Interrelations of linoleic acid with medium chain and long chain saturated triglycerides. J Am Oil Chem Soc, 1959, 36: 322-325.
12. Stewart, J.W., Wiggers, K.D., Jacobsen, N.L., Berger, P.J. Effect of various triglycerides on blood and tissue cholesterol of calves, J Nutr, 1978, 108: 561-566.
13. Kaunitz, H. Medium Chain Triglycerides in Aging and Atherosclerosis, in: Advances in Human Nutrition, Vol 3, by J. Kabara (ed), Chem-Orbital, POB 134, Park Forest, IL 60466.