What are the four types of MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides)

by River Supply River Supply Co.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have become a staple of many diets due to their unique health benefits. These good fats are a viable solution to losing weight, making heart-healthy, improving digestion, and enhancing gut health.

It helps with diabetes and blood sugar regulation, enhances brain health and cognitive functions and provides a series of many other health benefits.

The whole concept of MCT is vast and wide; it is better to understand these fatty acids little by little. Today in this post blog, we will talk about the MCT specifics, that is, the different types of MCTs found in our food.

1- Caproic acid (C6):

If you have come across an MCT oil supplement that tastes a bit off or creates a slight tingle down your throat, then that type of supplement has too much of caproic acid (C6) in it. However, even though it doesn’t taste good, the benefit of caproic acid is that it quickly gets absorbed and converted into ketones by the body.

The most common source of C6 is full-fat dairy products and Palm oil.

2- Caprylic acid (C8):

Caprylic acid is known to have strong anti-microbial properties that help to maintain gut health. It is one of the prevalent MCTs in many oil supplements that get absorbed quickly by the body to raise your ketone levels.

The most prominent source of C8 is MCT oil and coconut oil. In fact, there are almost 12% of C8 MCTs out of 60% of total MCTs found in coconut oil.

3- Capric acid (C10):

Like caprylic acid and caproic acid, capric acid (C10) turns into ketones quickly in the liver. However, due to its two extra carbons, capric acid processes a bit slower than C6 and C8.

The common source of C10 is MCT oil and coconut oil that has almost 10% of C10 MCTs.

4- Lauric acid (C12):

Lauric acid is the main reason why coconut oil typically gets used as an MCT supplement. It is because lauric acid makes up roughly half of the fats found in coconut oil. Unlike the other MCTs, lauric acid undergoes a slower metabolization process and may raise cholesterol levels in a similar way to other long-chain saturated fats. Because of this, you won’t find it in a high-quality MCT oil.

A common source of C12 is full-fat dairy products and coconut oil.

Bottom line

MCT exists naturally in some animal and plant foods. Each of these sources contains varying amounts of each MCTs. That is why it is important to note that all of the sources that naturally produce MCTs contain a combination of two or three MCTs from the types mentioned above.

Do you want to include MCT oil in your diet? Then connect with River Supply; they are the reliable MCT Supplier in the town.

James Carles is the author of this article. For more details about Where to buy cbd, please visit our website: riversupplyco.com