C8 MCT Oil Seven Questions Your Patients May Ask
The recent popularity of low–carbohydrate and ketogenic diets has triggered interest in medium–chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. MCTs are metabolized more quickly than other fats, providing a quick source of energy for the body and brain.
Supplement companies are increasingly marketing a specific form of MCT oil, known as C8 MCT oil. Since your patients will probably ask about it, here are the answers to common questions about C8 MCT oil and MCT oil in general.
What is MCT oil?
MCTs are saturated fats that contain between six and 12 carbon atoms per fatty-acid chain. Each of the MCTs can be referred to by its name or by a scientific shorthand that states the number of carbon atoms it contains. The main MCTs include:
- C6: Caproic acid or hexanoic acid
- C8: Caprylic acid or octanoic acid
- C10: Capric acid or decanoic acid
- C12: Lauric acid or dodecanoic acid
One of the richest dietary sources of MCTs is coconut oil, which is most abundant in lauric acid (C12). Lauric acid is the slowest to metabolize of all MCTs, so it’s often excluded from commercially available MCT oils. Caproic acid (C6) is also excluded from MCT oils because of its unpleasant taste.
MCT oils typically provide between 50 and 80 percent caprylic acid (C8) and between 20 and 50 percent capric acid (C10). The oil is produced by a process that isolates the various MCTs from coconut oil or palm oil and then recombines them to produce natural triglycerides.
How is C8 different than other MCT oils?
C8 is more rapidly metabolized and offers greater ketogenic potential than C10, so MCT oils containing a higher percentage of C8 than C10 are often touted as the best products. To explain this, we need to do a brief review of fat metabolism.
Long-chain fats are absorbed from the intestines by being incorporated into chylomicrons that enter the lymphatic circulation. But MCTs don’t rely on transport proteins— instead, they’re absorbed directly from the intestinal lumen into the portal vein. Then they’re quickly transported to the liver, where they’re metabolized via beta–oxidation to produce energy and ketones.
MCT’s ability to more rapidly metabolize than long-chain fats is thought to contribute to greater energy expenditure, less deposition in adipose tissue, and more efficient ketone production. This also explains why MCTs are “ketogenic.”
Although all MCTs are metabolized in a similar way, C8 has an even greater advantage than other MCTs. C8 can cross the mitochondrial membrane without carnitine-dependent transport, allowing for even more rapid beta-oxidation and ketone production.
A study published in April 2019 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition measured the change in plasma ketones after an eight-hour feeding trial with different types of MCTs. Based on plasma levels of acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and total ketones, the study found that C8 was about three times more ketogenic than C10 and about six times more ketogenic than C12.
What are the health benefits of C8 MCT oil?
Most studies don’t distinguish between the health benefits of C8 and other MCT oils. Many patients may choose to take C8 MCT oil because of its superior ketogenic potential, but the health benefits are the same as for other MCT oils.
Key benefits include:
Cognition and memory. MCT oil provides ketone bodies as a reliable source of fuel for brain cells. When people develop cognitive concerns associated with aging, there is often a reduced uptake of glucose by the brain. However, studies show that ketone uptake by the brain remains efficient and unchanged.
Researchers in Japan recently evaluated MCT oil in a group of patients with cognitive decline. For 12 weeks, the patients took either a ketogenic formula providing 20 grams of MCTs per day, or a control formula. By week eight, there were significant differences between the groups. Researchers concluded that ongoing consumption of MCT oil supported verbal memory and processing speed.*
Exercise performance. MCT oils are popular among bodybuilders and athletes because the oils promote fat burning and provide an available source of energy.
A study of recreational athletes who took 6 grams of MCTs per day during moderate or high-intensity exercise found that MCTs reduced the exercise-induced increase in blood lactate levels during moderate–intensity exercise, and allowed for a longer duration of high-intensity exercise.*
Weight management. MCTs are burned more rapidly and are less likely to be stored as fat than long-chain fats. MCTs have also been shown to modulate the hunger hormone ghrelin, which promotes satiety.
In a study of overweight men, those who took 20 grams of MCT oil with breakfast ended up consuming less food throughout the day than those who didn’t take the MCT oil.*
Other health benefits. MCTs support mitochondrial function, β-cell function, and insulin function. They have been shown to support healthy cholesterol metabolism in a way that suggests a role in cardiovascular support. MCT oils can also support gut health, intestinal-barrier function, and immune defenses.*
Are there any risks in taking C8 MCT oil?
Some patients experience loose stools when they take too much C8 MCT oil. It’s best to start by taking a small amount per day and then gradually increase the intake over time.
Also, consider each patient’s unique biochemistry. There is evidence from animal studies that a high intake of MCT oil might aggravate inflammation in some skin conditions. If you see this happen with your patients, consider reducing or stopping the MCT oil and instead providing fat from foods like olive oil, nuts, fish, and avocados.
Is C8 MCT oil only helpful in combination with the Ketogenic diet?
C8 MCT oil is often used with a ketogenic diet to enhance ketosis. However, studies show it can promote ketone production and health benefits even for people not on a restrictive diet.*
In one study of healthy adults consuming a normal diet, supplementation with MCT oil was deemed to be “safe and mildly ketogenic,” producing enough ketones to provide between eight and nine percent of brain energy.*
Another study evaluated plasma ketone levels after consuming C8 MCT oil either with or without a meal. Although the MCT oil supported ketone production in both situations, the ketone response was about twice as much when the oil was taken on an empty stomach.
The upshot is that although the ketone response will be greater during periods of fasting or when following a low–carbohydrate diet, C8 MCT oil can enhance ketone production even when accompanying a usual diet.
How can I use C8 MCT oil?
C8 MCT oil is available in a variety of forms. Powdered forms can be blended into smoothies, drinks, or soft foods. Liquid forms can be drizzled over foods, pureed into smoothies, mixed into salad dressings, or stirred into coffee.
C8 MCT oil should not be used in cooking, and it’s best not to heat it. Heating will cause oxidation and damage the oil. If using C8 MCT oil with warm foods, it’s best to drizzle the oil on top after the food has finished cooking.
Patients should begin by taking no more than 5 grams of MCT oil per day. Once the body adjusts to digesting the oil, the amount can be increased to as much as is tolerable and pleasant. It’s not unusual for patients to take 20 or 30 grams of MCT oil per day.
C8 MCT oil can be a healthy and -nutrition–ally dense addition to a ketogenic diet, a low-carbohydrate diet, or another healthy diet. Once your patients have their questions answered, they may choose to include this nutritional oil as part of their everyday supplement routine.
How do I choose a high-quality C8 MCT oil?
Some companies cut their MCT oil with lauric acid to save money. Others may not follow sustainable production practices. And cheaper oils can contain chemical or solvent residues from the extraction process.
Look for MCT oils that are sustainably sourced and produced with steam distillation to ensure the oil is free from oxidation and impurities. Products containing C8 MCT oil that are available through Emerson Ecologics include C8 Max MCT Powder (Douglas Laboratories), KTO-C8 Chews (Designs for Health), and Pure Power Ketone Energy MCT Oil (Dr. Mercola).