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MCT
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:MCT - Medium Chain Triglycerides and Epilepsy, Running and Weight Loss}}
MCTs are claimed by some to be miraculous cure-alls and by others as dietary abominations. The truth is probably a little more complex, as is so often the case with these things. MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are fats , with the "medium chain" meaning that they are shorter in length than most normal dietary fats (sometimes called Long Chain Triglycerides or LCTs). MCT is a saturated fat, leading many to decry them as unhealthy. However, almost all research into saturated fat focuses on the common Long Chain Triglycerides, not MCT's. It seems likely that the health concerns around normal saturated fat don't apply to MCT's, as they are metabolized in very different ways. MCTs are found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil and butter, as well as being available in pure form. There is reasonable evidence that:* MCT can be used in the dietary treatment of Epilepsy. * There are initial indications that MCT will [[Ketogenic Diet as a Treatment| reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's and other memory problems]].
* MCT produces [[Ketones]] even without being part of a [[Low Carbohydrate Diets| Low Carbohydrate Diet]].
** Ketone levels are higher when MCT is combined with a Low Carbohydrate Diet.
** Higher intake of MCT will produce higher ketone levels.
** Fasting will increase ketone levels from MCT.
* MCT can produce nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Adaptation and mixing with other foods can reduce the problems and the MCTs should be taking in an MCT Shake.
* MCT does not improve exercise performance.
=MCT and the Ketogenic Diet=
Because MCT will increase [[Ketones|Ketone Levels]] without needing [[Low Carbohydrate Diets| Carbohydrate restriction]], they are often used for [[Ketogenic Diets for Epilepsy| epilepsy treatment]]. Small amounts of MCT can be used to increase the ketone levels, or to reduce elevated cholesterol levels while on the Ketogenic Diet<ref name="Kossoff-2011-1809"/>. Larger amounts of MCT are the basis of the [[MCT Diet]], which allow for a greater carbohydrate intake than the traditional [[Ketogenic Ratio Diet]] and therefore more food choices.
=MCT Cost=
MCT is expensive. I've used pure MCT products like [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GK11HK Premium MCT Gold] and [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019LWIOU Dr. Bernd Friedlander MCT Oil], and they are all around $1/oz. You can buy coconut oil, which is about 60% MCT (see below for details), but products like [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EO5Q64 Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil] are about $0.50/oz, which works out around the same price. The best option if you are prepared to buy in bulk is from [http://www.bulknaturaloils.com/ http://www.bulknaturaloils.com] that sells [http://www.bulknaturaloils.com/Products/15778-bulk-mct-medium-chain-triglycerides.aspx MCT Oil 60/40] for $25/Gallon ($0.19/oz). (Note that products like [http://www.amazon.com/Twinlab-Fuel-Orange-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B001G7R6IU TwinLab Mct Fuel] contain only about 50% MCT.)
