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

Nutrient	Amount per 100 g	% RDA per 100 g
Energy	833 kcal	—
Total fat	100 g	—
Saturated fat	100 g	—

Bioactive compounds

Explicitly identified compounds, including individual fatty acids, with a defensible quantity or an explicit qualitative status. Asterisks (*) identify supplementary sources below. Unquantified or trace constituents are not automatically admitted to the Substances list.

Compound / class	Amount per 100 g	Notes
MCT	Present — quantity not established *	—

Source notes (supplementary):

• * MCT: MCT oil is defined by its medium-chain triglyceride content, so presence follows from the product identity, and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code defines the class as triacylglycerols containing predominantly the saturated fatty acids 8:0 and 10:0. The adopted specification (FDC 2543941) declares 60 per cent C8 and 40 per cent C10, but that ratio is particular to one formulation and C6 is not quantified at all, so no per-chain quantity is published for MCT oil in general.

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 (Branded) — manufacturer specification, MCT Premium C8 & C10 100% Pure Oil; declared ingredient "MCT oil (60% C8, 40% C10)", FDC ID 2543941, API, per 100 g product, last checked 2026-08-18

This value uses a documented composition interpretation. See FCIR-012.

Substances

Substances admitted through a supported nutrition-table row. Not every table row appears here. Cards are not BRS mappings.

1 substance in this food

MCT (Medium-Chain Triglycerides)

Medium-chain fatty acids (C8, C10) providing rapid brain energy via ketone production

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