Physiological Effects of Medium-Chain Triglycerides: Potential Agents in the Prevention of Obesity

Abstract

Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) are readily oxidized in the liver. Animal and human studies have shown that the fast rate of oxidation of MCFA leads to greater energy expenditure (EE). Most animal studies have also demonstrated that the greater EE with MCFA relative to long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) results in less body weight gain and decreased size of fat depots after several months of consumption. Furthermore, both animal and human trials suggest a greater satiating effect of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) compared with long-chain triglycerides (LCT). The aim of this review is to evaluate existing data describing the effects of MCT on EE and satiety and determine their potential efficacy as agents in the treatment of human obesity. Animal studies are summarized and human trials more systematically evaluated because the primary focus of this article is to examine the effects of MCT on human energy metabolism and satiety. Hormones including cholescytokinin, peptide YY, gastric inhibitory peptide, neurotensin and pancreatic polypeptide have been proposed to be involved in the mechanism by which MCT may induce satiety; however, the exact mechanisms have not been established. From the literature reviewed, we conclude that MCT increase energy expenditure, may result in faster satiety and facilitate weight control when included in the diet as a replacement for fats containing LCT.

Greater fat oxidation with diacylglycerol oil consumption for 14 days compared with triacylglycerol oil consumption in overweight men and women

“…Similarly, medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) enhances fat metabolism due to its distinct metabolic pathway. 27 Previous studies in humans show increased postprandial EE and fat oxidation after both acute 7 and repeated 28,29 MCT feeding, supporting the reduced weight gain observed with chronic 30 MCT consumption. St Onge et al reported that MCT increased fat oxidation and EE in a 4-week crossover feeding studies including both women 28 and men.…”

Dietary modulation of body composition and insulin sensitivity during catch-up growth in rats: effects of oils rich inn-6 orn-3 PUFA

“…caffeine, green tea catechins and medium-chain TAG) or that shift nutrient partitioning in favour of lean tissue (e.g. conjugated LA) has been demonstrated at much lower doses in humans (albeit adults) than in laboratory rodents (27,46,47) .…”

The effects of coconut oil supplementation on the body composition and lipid profile of rats submitted to physical exercise

“…It is absorbed directly into the portal circulation and transported to the liver for rapid oxidation. This mechanism could increase energy expenditure, decrease their deposition into adipose tissue and result in faster satiety (St-Onge and Jones 2002).…”