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Several investigators have studied the use of
medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in CPT II deficiency.  
In
1997, Schaefer et al. assessed the effects of an MCT emulsion of 0.5 g/kg
body weight in one CPT II patient and two controls. Plasma ketone production was similar in patient and controls after MCT loading, but in contrast to controls, the patient developed a significant transient medium-chain dicarboxylic aciduria. Because CPT is involved in the transport of medium-chain fatty acids, and in fact, accounts for 70% of total cellular carnitine octanoyl-transferase (COT) activity, the investigators concluded that any dose of MCT over 0.5 g/kg body weight would probably overload the uptake mechanism. They recommend a careful adjustment of the dose so as not to exceed the limited CPT transport capacity for medium-chain fatty acids.  In
1981, DiDonato et al.reported a CPT II patient who was unable to build up
ketones when fed long-chain triglycerides but showed prompt ketogenic response when fed MCT. In
1991, Scott et al. reported a CPT II deficiency patient with high triglycerides. The patient was treated with MCT. |
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| References: Schaefer J et al. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1997 62:169-176 Di Donato S et al. J Neurol Sci 1981 50(2):207-15 Scott et al. Muscle Nerve 1991 14(7):676-7 Related links: FAQs on MCT Michael Darnley, R.D., explains the composition of MCT oil and its therapeutic applications. Mead-Johnson
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To read more about
MCT oil, visit 
While MCT oil is saturated, it is not solid like other
saturated fats due to the shorter chain lengths of the fatty
acids within the oil.
The energy value of MCT oil is approximately 7-9 calories per
gram. MCT oil can be substituted in place of most cooking oils.
