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MCT Oil

MCT Oil

Overview​

MCT oil is concentrated medium-chain triglycerides (C6, C8, C10) providing rapid energy for the brain and supporting ketone production. It contains caprylic triglyceride (C8), capric triglyceride (C10), and caproic triglyceride (C6).

Within the BRAIN Diet framework, coconut Oil / MCT Oil provides MCTs (C8, C10), rapid energy for brain, and supports ketone production [1][2].

Key Nutritional Highlights​

  • Medium-chain triglycerides are rapidly oxidised and studied in ketogenic and metabolic contexts [1]
  • Ketogenic substrates including MCTs influence brain energy metabolism in clinical research [2]
  • MCT oil is concentrated medium-chain triglycerides (C6, C8, C10) providing rapid energy for the brain and supporting ketone production. [1]
  • It contains caprylic triglyceride (C8), capric triglyceride (C10), and caproic triglyceride (C6). [2]
  • Coconut Oil / MCT Oil provides MCTs (C8, C10), rapid energy for brain, and supports ketone production.

Food Context​

Synergies​

  • Part of brain energy strategy

Preparation​

  • Use in smoothies or small portions
  • Start with small amounts
  • Supports ketone production

Recipes​

no recipes found

Nutrient Tables (per 100 g)

Core nutrients

NutrientAmount per 100 g% RDA per 100 g
Saturated fat6.6 g—

Bioactive compounds

Values below are often from specialist compositional databases or literature, not the standard USDA panel. Asterisks (*) refer to source notes at the bottom of this section.

Compound / classAmount per 100 gNotes
ALA7450 mg—

Note: Bioactive-compound values vary substantially by cultivar, species, cocoa or oil percentage, processing, and brand formulation. Show quantitative values only where a defensible source exists; otherwise prefer qualitative presence statements or ranges in source notes.

Reference intakes: US Dietary Reference Intakes for adults (19–50 years; using the higher of male/female values where they differ).
Data provenance (core / micronutrient panel): USDA FoodData Central, Oil, canola, FDC ID 748278, API, per 100 g edible portion, last checked 2026-03-14

Substances​

Substances in this food: editorial (Overview / literature) plus analytical (nutrition table).

5 substances in this food

References​

[1] Medium-chain triglycerides are rapidly oxidised and studied in ketogenic and metabolic contexts. Crosby et al. 2021. Ketogenic Diets and Chronic Disease: Weighing the Benefits Against the Risks

[2] Ketogenic substrates including MCTs influence brain energy metabolism in clinical research. Popiolek-Kalisz et al. 2024. Ketogenic diet and cardiovascular risk – state of the art review