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What Are the Different Types of MCT Oil and Which Is Optimal for Fat Loss?
Olivia Callender avatar
Written by Olivia Callender
Updated over 8 months ago

Medium-chain triglycerides, better known as MCTs are fatty acids that are available for consumption in different forms. When considering picking an MCT oil for fat loss here’s what you should know.

  • What are the different types of MCT oil and where do they come from?

  • Which are the most beneficial for fat loss?

What Are the Types of MCT Oils and Where Do They Come From?

There are four different types of MCTs and are differentiated by the number of molecules in their carbon chain.

  • Caproic Acid (C6)

  • Caprylic Acid (C8)

  • Capric Acid (C10)

  • Lauric Acid (C12)

MCT oils exist in higher quantities in Ghee, butter, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil but MCT oils sold on the market are usually sourced from:

  1. Coconut oil

  2. Palm kernel oil

They can be a mix of different MCT oils which are commonly referred to as MCT oil or mixed MCT oil. Or they are specific, such as caprylic acid otherwise known as C8 MCT oil.

Which MCT Oil is Best for Fat Loss Goals?

The benefit of using MCT oil for fat loss is its ability to be converted to ketones within the liver. Ketones reduce appetite allowing you to eat less and lose fat over time.

Research has demonstrated that C8 MCT Oil keeps you in appetite-reduction ketosis 41% longer than other MCT oils or mixed MCT oils.

This means:

  1. C8 MCT oil helps you maintain a Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ketone level above 0.5 mmol/l for longer.

  2. When taken correctly C8 MCT oil can positively influence fat loss more than generic MCT oils.

Actionable Takeaways

  • For fat loss goals, select the MCT oil that helps you achieve appetite-reduction ketosis (0.5 mmol/L or higher) for longer.

  • C8 MCT Oil is the best MCT oil for fat loss as it boosts ketones higher and longer than other MCTs.

Source:

Ketosource analysis.

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