ELLA FARMA

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are used to cover increased energy needs in sport as well as for dietetic purposes. The major benefit of MCT is that, for all practical purposes, it is not converted into body fat. This distinguishes it physiologically from conventional edible oils. MCT can even be used in the diet phase.

MCTs deliver energy quickly and are not converted into body fat. During resorption into the small intestine, the long-chain fatty acids are broken down initially by the glycerine component and then reassembled as triglycerides in the intestinal mucosa (chemically: re-esterified). They are then dispersed via the lymph glands. The medium-chain triglycerides are not broken down; neither are they emulsified by bile salts, but pass as entire molecules through the mucosa of the small intestine and are transported immediately to the liver via the portal vein. There, they are available immediately for energy gain and are oxidised (burnt) in a similar manner to carbohydrates in the mitochondria of the liver and muscle cells.

MCT in sport

All sports which depend on a high supply of energy can sensibly promote the use of MCT oil.

Although it is considered chemically as an oil, it can be mixed easily with water. It can therefore be combined to good effect with a weight gainer in order to increase its calorie content. The calorie content is somewhat less compared with normal edible oils and is 8.3 kcal per gram (conventional edible oil: 9.1 kcal/g) but almost twice as much as that of carbohydrates (4.1 kcal/g).

Normal edible fats and oils deliver a great deal of energy – however, this does not mean that it would be sensible to indulge in a diet rich in fat before a marathon run or a cycle race. Long-chain fatty acids are oxidised only slowly and with consumption of much oxygen. MCTs, however, are resorbed very quickly and are available immediately as an energy source.

Recommended dose:

Adults should begin with one teaspoon per day at normal mealtimes and increase the amount day by day until the desired daily amount is reached. This gradual change is required so that the intestine can become accustomed to MCT. If the amounts initially are too large, this can cause diarrhoea. After an adjustment phase, up to 120 grams of MCT per day can be ingested without any problems.

The daily amount is aligned to body weight:

Up to 70 kg: one tablespoon twice daily.

70–85 kg: one to two tablespoons twice daily.

Over 85 kg: two to three tablespoons twice daily.

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