medium-chain triacylglycerol oil

Medium-chain triacylglycerol oil (MCT oil) is a mixture of saturated fatty acid esters of glycerol containing fatty acids with carbon chain lengths typically between 6 and 12. The main components are caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) triglycerides. It is derived primarily from coconut oil or palm kernel oil through fractionation and esterification processes[1][2][4][6]. MCTs are rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and transported directly to the liver via the portal vein for quick energy production rather than storage as fat. This unique metabolic pathway makes them useful for patients with fat malabsorption syndromes or those requiring parenteral nutrition[3][7]. In addition to their use as a dietary supplement for sustained energy and cognitive support[1], they serve as pharmaceutical excipients—solubilizers/carriers in oral or topical drug formulations due to their excellent stability and low viscosity[1][8]. There is no evidence of mutagenicity or reproductive toxicity based on available studies; they are not classified as hazardous substances under transport regulations[5]. They do not contain essential fatty acids.

Brand names

CaptexDurOmegaKollisolv MCT 70

Other names

中链甘油三酯中链甘油三酸酯medium chain triglyceridesmedium chain triacylglycerols辛癸酸甘油酯 (caprylic/capric triglyceride)GTCC