MCT (Medium-Chain Triglycerides)

Overview

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are composed of medium-chain fatty acids, primarily caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10), found in coconut oil and MCT oil. MCTs are rapidly metabolized in the liver and converted to ketones (beta-hydroxybutyrate), which serve as an alternative energy substrate for mitochondria. Ketones can be used by brain mitochondria when glucose metabolism is impaired, supporting ATP production and mitochondrial function. This makes MCTs particularly valuable for providing rapid brain energy and supporting neuronal function, as ATP is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and reuptake.

Recipes

2 recipes containing this substance

Chocolate Quinoa Crisp Clusters

A delicious cereal-to-snack hybrid with satisfying crunch, steady energy, and a low glycemic profile. Perfect for breakfast or anytime snacking.

Turmeric Lentil Dahl

Anti-inflammatory curcumin-rich lentil dish supporting gut health, NF-κB inhibition, and SCFA production

Foods

2 foods containing this substance

Coconut Oil

MCTs for rapid brain energy and ketone production

MCT Oil

Concentrated medium-chain triglycerides for brain energy

Biological Mechanisms and Implications

Biological Target	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Mitochondrial Support	ADHD, Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety & GAD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression & MDD	Capric triglyceride (C10) is converted to ketones (beta-hydroxybutyrate) in the liver, which serve as an alternative energy substrate for mitochondria; ketones can be used by brain mitochondria when glucose metabolism is impaired, supporting ATP production and mitochondrial function
Neurochemical Balance	ADHD, Alzheimer's Disease, Anxiety & GAD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression & MDD	Ketones produced from capric triglyceride provide ATP through mitochondrial metabolism; ATP is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and reuptake, indirectly supporting neurochemical balance by ensuring adequate energy for neuronal function

References

• Coconut Oil / MCT Oil: MCTs (C8, C10), rapid energy for brain, supports ketone production - Smoothies, baking, small-portion use
• MCTs are converted to ketones which serve as alternative energy substrate for mitochondria, supporting brain energy metabolism
• Ketones provide ATP through mitochondrial metabolism, supporting neurotransmitter synthesis and neuronal function