GO-MCT

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are the main form of fat present in the human diet and were introduced into clinical practice approximately 50 years ago. They are unique saturated fats. However, it is a common misconception that all saturated fats are bad and should therefore be avoided. Medium-chain fatty acids have special properties, being easily absorbed and converted into ketone bodies in the liver a few minutes after ingestion. This property distinguishes them from longer-chain saturated fats, which make up 99% of saturated fats in the Western diet.

Compared to carbohydrates, ketone bodies are considered a superior fuel that is metabolized more quickly for immediate use, making them an excellent source of energy for the body.

All fat cells are made up of carbon and hydrogen strands. Short-chain fats have less than 6 carbons, long-chain fats have 13 to 21 and medium-chain fats have 6 to 12. TCMs are composed of chain fatty acids, which are hydrolyzed by pancreatic lipase and absorbed in the duodenum more quickly than long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), demonstrating their efficiency in providing energy when compared to other triglyceride chains.

TCMs first hit the market in the 1950s. Subsequently, they disappeared almost completely until they became increasingly popular because of coconut oil. Apart from isolated TCM itself, coconut oil is the richest source of medium-chain triglycerides, with an average content of 60% TCM.