Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of lipid (fat) composed of three medium-length fatty acids (6 to 12 carbon atoms in length) attached to a glycerol backbone.[1] There are four main types of MCTs, each with a different fatty acid chain length.[1]
- Caproic acid (hexanoic acid) has a fatty acid length of 6 carbon atoms.
- Caprylic acid (octanoic acid) has a fatty acid length of 8 carbon atoms.
- Capric acid (decanoic acid or decylic acid) has a fatty acid length of 10 carbon atoms.
- Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) has a fatty acid length of 12 carbon atoms.
MCTs are found in high amounts (per serving size) in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy products like butter. MCTs are also found in specialized MCT oil supplements.[1]
MCTs are rapidly digested and converted into energy, bypassing the usual fat digestion process (see How are medium-chain triglycerides absorbed?).[1] However, people with a rare genetic condition called medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency cannot break down MCTs effectively, which can lead to serious health issues.[2] See What is medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency? for more info.