medium-chain diacylglycerol oil

Medium-chain diacylglycerol (MCDAG) oil is a functional dietary lipid composed primarily of diacylglycerols (DAG) containing medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), typically caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids. Unlike conventional triacylglycerols (TAG), the 1,3-diacylglycerol isoform in MCDAG is metabolized differently in the gastrointestinal tract. While it is hydrolyzed into 1-monoglycerides and free fatty acids, these products are poorly re-esterified into TAG within enterocytes, leading to reduced chylomicron formation and lower postprandial blood lipid levels. Furthermore, the MCFAs released are transported directly to the liver via the portal vein for rapid beta-oxidation rather than being stored in adipose tissue. These metabolic characteristics make MCDAG a candidate for the management of obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and metabolic syndrome by promoting fat oxidation and suppressing body fat accumulation.

Other names

MCDAGmedium-chain diacylglycerolMC-DAGmedium-chain diglycerides