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| The fats of life |
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 Medium-chain triglycerides
(MCT) may not have a neutral effect on cholesterol as previously believed, say researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.In 9 middle-aged men, a trial of MCT oil boosted cholesterol levels an average of 29 milligrams per deciliter of blood. Until further studies confirm these findings, investigators recommend that patients and athletes taking MCT oil should have cholesterol levels monitored. Reference: Cater NB et al. Comparison of the effects of medium-chain triacylglycerols, palm oil, and high oleic acid sunflower oil on plasma triacylglycerol fatty acids and lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in humans Am J Clin Nutr 1997 65(1):41-5 |
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Related
links: MCT
oil from health-food stores not as healthy as touted Short
article about the MCT cholesterol study at UT Southwestern headed by
Dr. Nilo Cater. MCT
oilAnother brief report on the MCT cholesterol study. FAQs on MCT Michael Darnley, R.D., explains the composition of MCT oil and its therapeutic applications. Mead-Johnson Pharmaceuticals Basic information on their MCT product.  To read about
treatment and dosage for MCT oil in CPT II deficiency, see Chain
reaction and Treatments
survey results To read MCT advice
from Bruce Cohen, M.D., see Double
take.
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The medium-chain fatty acids are quickly absorbed and transported to the liver. The long-chain fats have to be processed in a different way. The popular belief was that medium-chain fats
wouldn’t hurt us and would give us access to quick energy. What our research suggests is that the liver reuses medium- chain fats as building blocks and resynthesizes them into longer chain fatty acids. 
