MCT Oil Supplement Benefits
This list focuses on the top 10 benefits associated with C8 MCT oil (Caprylic Acid), which is the most ketogenic and rapidly absorbed of the Medium-Chain Triglycerides.
The following benefits are generally attributed to C8 MCT oil, with specific published research provided for the most well-studied claims.
Top 10 Benefits of C8 Organic MCT Oil
| Rank | Benefit | Summary of Published Research (If Available) | Study Date & URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Most Efficient Ketone Production | C8 is the most potent MCT for inducing ketosis. It is rapidly absorbed and converted by the liver into ketone bodies (like \beta-hydroxybutyrate or \betaHB), providing an immediate, alternative fuel source for the brain and body. | 2021 The Ketogenic Effect of Medium-Chain Triacylglycerides |
| 2 | Aids in Weight Loss & Fat Loss | Compared to olive oil (a long-chain triglyceride), consumption of MCT oil as part of a weight-loss diet led to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss. Subjects lost an average of 1.7 kg more over a 16-week period. | 2008 Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil |
| 3 | Boosts Cognitive Function | Daily MCT supplementation (with a C8:C10 blend) for 2–3 weeks was found to enhance performance in multiple cognitive tasks (Trail Making A/B and Digit Span) in healthy young adults compared to a placebo. | 2020 The effects of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation… on cognitive performance in healthy young adults |
| 4 | Increases Satiety and Reduces Appetite | MCTs have been shown to increase the release of the appetite-reducing hormones peptide YY and leptin compared to other fats, which helps people feel fuller and potentially consume fewer calories overall. | (Referenced in multiple reviews) Effects of medium-chain triglycerides on weight loss and body composition: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| 5 | Provides Quick Energy for the Body | Due to their short chain length, MCTs are rapidly broken down and metabolized by the liver, bypassing the standard digestive process required for long-chain fats, making them an immediate and efficient energy source. | 2022 Triglycerides of medium-chain fatty acids: a concise review |
| 6 | May Support Athletic Endurance | Some studies, though results are mixed, suggest that MCT supplementation combined with carbohydrates can improve endurance performance in trained athletes, such as faster times in a 40-km cycling trial. | 2022 The Effects of Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil Supplementation on Endurance Performance and Substrate Utilization… |
| 7 | Supports Gut Health (Antimicrobial) | MCTs, including C8, have demonstrated antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help balance the gut microbiome by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast (like Candida species). | (Widely recognized property of MCTs)Triglycerides of medium-chain fatty acids: a concise review |
| 8 | Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects | C8 MCT oil rapidly raises levels of the ketone body \betaHB, which has been reported to have properties similar to calorie restriction, including potential anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects via epigenetic regulation. | 2022 Examining the Effect of Consuming C8 Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil for 14 Days on Markers of NLRP3 Activation in Healthy Humans |
| 9 | May Help Preserve Muscle Mass | Consumption of MCT oil has been shown to improve muscle strength and function in older adults, suggesting a potential role in preventing or mitigating age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) by providing an easily accessible energy source for muscle protein synthesis. | (Finding reported in clinical trials)Source: Forbes Health |
| 10 | Does Not Adversely Affect Metabolic Health | When consumed as part of a weight-loss diet, MCT oil did not negatively impact metabolic risk factors (such as fasting serum glucose, total cholesterol, or diastolic blood pressure) when compared to olive oil. | 2009 Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil Consumption as Part of a Weight Loss Diet Does Not Lead to an Adverse Metabolic Profile… |
Disclaimer: While C8 MCT oil shows promising benefits, it is a supplement. You should always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.