Blog

2

What are short/medium chain triglyceride oils? I've never heard this term before. I use olive oil, butter and lard. Are any of these MCT? Where can I get a list of what oils are MCT and what the percentage is?

flag

3 Answers

1

Medium-chain triglycerides

Coconut oil is mostly medium-chain triglycerides, and the stuff sold as "MCT oil" is derived from coconut oil.

link|flag
SO MCT oil is made from coconut oil, but not necessarily in any oils we may already be using? – Cave girl novice Diane May 7 2012 at 23:43
6

The product you buy that's MCT Oil contains capric and caprylic acids -- 8 & 10C saturated fatty acids. These are usually purified from coconut oil.

MCT's is a larger category of fatty acids 6-12C in length. Coconut oil and palm kernel oil are two sources with majority (~55%) MCT content.

Butter contains some MCT, but it is more known for it's approximate 4% butyric (short chain) acid content. Olive oil and lard don't contain any significant MCT.

MCT Oil is actually an "oil" at room temperature, unlike coconut and palm kernel "oils" that are solid below I want to say around 70 deg. (don't quote me on that). As such, MCT is a good oil for dressings, homemade mayo and such. Odorless, tasteless. I like to mix it with olive oil. However once this bottle is used up I won't replace it as I've not experienced any discernible effect other than the unpredictable negative (cramping, diarrhea) ones to justify the expense.

link|flag
Does that mean its not easy on the stomach? Should I not buy it for my 5 yr old daughter? I need an oil option for her and she's very picky. – PlantGirl Jul 17 at 17:00
0

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=MCT+oil

link|flag
1 
I love this response! – MathGirl72 May 7 2012 at 13:49
Gee, can we be any more sarcastic without giving an answer to my question?? I tried that first and was more confused than before I started so I thought asking would get better answers than this! – Cave girl novice Diane May 7 2012 at 23:41
If you are illiterate or autistic, I apologize. – Kasra May 7 2012 at 23:44

Your Answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.