Benefits of Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

What are MCTs?

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a unique type of fat with distinct benefits for energy, digestion, and even neurological health. Triglycerides are the main form of fat in our food, each made up of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone. Most dietary fats are long-chain triglycerides (LCTs).

MCTs, however, are much shorter in structure — fatty acids between 6 and 12 carbons in length:

• C6:0 Caproic acid

• C8:0 Caprylic acid

• C10:0 Capric acid

• C12:0 Lauric acid

Lauric acid is sometimes debated as an MCT, but because of how it’s metabolised (more like other medium chains than long chains), it’s usually included.

Although technically saturated fats, MCTs behave very differently in the body than typical saturates. They’re rapidly absorbed, stable under heat and light, and far less prone to oxidation — making them resistant to the plaque-forming processes that link many fats to cardiovascular disease.

How MCTs are Digested & Metabolised

Unlike long-chain fats, MCTs:

• Bypass bile salts and passively absorb through the small intestine.

• Skip the lymphatic system and go straight into the bloodstream.

• Deliver energy fast, almost like carbohydrates.

Calorie for calorie, they’re slightly less energy-dense (≈8.3 kcal/g vs 9 kcal/g for long-chain fats). Their absorption speed is closer to glucose than to other fats, which makes them uniquely efficient.

Why MCTs Matter in the Flush GBI Lifestyle

1. Easy to digest

Because they don’t require bile salts, MCTs are often tolerated better by people with gut or digestive issues, including those with inflammatory bowel conditions or after gallbladder removal.

2. Rapid clean energy

Athletes — especially endurance runners and cyclists — often rely on MCTs for concentrated, efficient fuel. MCTs supply quick-burning energy without the glucose spikes that high-GI carbs can create.

3. Support for ketosis

Most fats only trigger ketone production in very low-carb conditions. MCTs, however, can produce ketones even with higher carbohydrate intake. This makes them powerful tools in ketogenic or hybrid diets, and especially interesting in neurological health (where ketones are a cleaner fuel for the brain).

4. Stability under heat and light

Unlike many vegetable oils, MCTs are not easily oxidised. That means less free radical formation — and less toxic burden on the body.

MCTs, Detox, and Flush GBI

Modern toxins — from plastics to PFAs — load the body with stressors that drain energy and compromise repair. By adding MCTs into a Flush GBI lifestyle, you:

• Provide a rapid energy source that doesn’t inflame or overload digestion.

• Support neurological function through ketone production.

• Fuel physical activity that accelerates detox (exercise is essential for lymphatic flow).

Flush GBI helps neutralise and clear the toxic burden, while MCTs support the body with clean fuel during repair and renewal.

Natural Sources of MCTs

MCTs are relatively rare in whole foods but can be found in:

• Coconut oil (≈59g per 100g)

• Palm kernel oil (≈54g per 100g)

• Butter (≈8g per 100g)

• Cheese (varies; e.g., Cheddar ≈2g per 100g)

For therapeutic use, purified MCT oils (often caprylic and capric acid blends) are typically preferred due to their higher concentration and faster metabolic conversion.

References

• Examine.com. Medium-chain triglycerides. Link

• Dean W, English J. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). Nutrition Review. Link

• Hunter J. Crohn’s.org.uk. Which dietary treatment should I choose? Link

• Ladas SD, et al. Comparison of the effects of medium and long chain triglyceride meals. Gut. 1984;25(4):405–11.

• Neal EG, et al. MCT ketogenic diets in childhood epilepsy. Epilepsia. 2009;50(5):1109–17.

• Liu YM, et al. MCT ketogenic diet for drug-resistant epilepsy. Biomed J. 2013;36(1):9–15.