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Question:
I was at the health food store and noticed a bottle of oil claiming to promote fat loss. The main ingredient in the oil was stated to be medium chain triglycerides. Is the claim a hoax or can these fats really promote weight loss?
Answer:
Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are special types of saturated fats prepared from coconut oil that range in length from 6 to 12 carbon chains. The body uses MCTs differently than other types of fat. Unlike regular fats, MCTs do not appear to cause weight gain, they actually promote weight loss. MCTs promote weight loss by increasing the burning of calories (thermogenesis). In contrast, other type of fats are usually stored in the fat deposits, and since their energy is conserved, a high fat diet actually decreases the metabolic rate. The reason for the difference in how the body handles MCTs compared to other fats is due to their size. The larger dietary fats are difficult for the body to metabolize, so the body tends to want to store these fats. MCTs, on the other hand, are rapidly burned as energy and actually promote the burning of the other fats.
A friend of mine, Dr. Julian Whitaker has an interesting analogy - "Other fats are like heavy wet logs that you put on a small campfire. Keep adding the logs, and soon you have more logs than fire. MCTs are like rolled up newspaper soaked in gasoline. They not only burn brightly, but will burn up the wet logs as well." Several scientific studies appear to support Dr. Whitaker's view.
A good dosage recommendation for MCTs as a weight-loss aid is one to two tablespoons per day. MCTs can be used as an oil for salad dressing, a bread spread, or simply taken as a supplement. MCTs can be used in cooking as long as the temperature is not greater than 160 degrees. For the other medicinal effects of MCTs, please consult a physician for dosage recommendations.
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