Medium Chain Triglycerides Powder

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are fats that are found naturally in some foods, such as coconut oil and palm kernel oil. They are a type of saturated fatty acid. MCT oil is typically extracted from coconut or palm kernel oil through a process called fractionation, which separates the MCTs from other fatty acids.

MCTs are often used as an ingredient in specialised food products like meal replacements and nutritional supplements. They are valued for their ability to be rapidly absorbed and metabolised by the body, providing a quick source of energy. Manufacturers may also use them as a fat source in products where a specific nutritional profile is desired.

Medium Chain Triglycerides are not classified as a food additive in the UK and do not have an E-number. They are a source of dietary fat. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) provides dietary guidance on fats, recommending that saturated fat intake should be reduced. EFSA has evaluated MCTs in the context of food supplements. Evidence on the specific health effects of consuming MCTs in typical food amounts is mixed and often studied in specific populations or for particular health goals.