Generality
Premise
Fatty acids are chemical compounds consisting of a linear hydrocarbon chain having a carboxyl group at one end.
These nutrients differ according to the number of carbon atoms in the chain and based on the type, number and position of the chemical bonds that join the carbon atoms.
Medium Chain Fatty Acids
Medium-chain triglycerides or MCT (from Medium Chain Triglycerides ) are defined, saturated fatty acids with 6-12 carbon atoms (they are saturated if the CC bonds are all simple or σ-type).
Medium chain fatty acids, such as caprylic, caprinic and lauric acid, boast peculiar dietary characteristics.
Unlike long-chain saturated fatty acids (with 14-20 or more carbon atoms), MCTs are poured directly into the portal circle, without first passing through the lymphatic pathway.
The triglycerides that contain them also boast a better water solubility compared to their long chain counterparts and are therefore more easily attacked by gastrointestinal lipases (to be digested, therefore, they do not require the adjuvant action of bile).
Just as quickly, they are then subjected to B-oxidation, that is to the metabolic path that leads to the production of energy starting from fats.
Unlike long-chain ones, MCTs do not have to bind to carnitine, but enter the mitochondria freely (where B-oxidation is completed in the cytoplasm).
The rapidity with which medium-chain fatty acids pass through the double mitochondrial membrane causes considerable quantities of acetyl-coA to form, which is why they are considered strongly ketogenetic (the synthesis of ketone bodies is obviously increased in conditions of glucose deficiency) .
The aforementioned biochemical characteristics clearly influence the clinical properties and related applications.
Medium Chain Fatty Acids in Foods
Triglycerides with medium chain fatty acids are contained mainly in milk and coconut oil. It is from the distillation of this food that most of the medium chain fatty acids used in sports and therapy are obtained. This product, compared to other tropical oils such as palm oil, can therefore be considered a food with a better nutritional profile.
Indications
Why are medium chain triglycerides used? What are they for?
Medium-chain triglycerides have a predominantly energetic function and in this sense represent an alternative and / or complementary metabolic pathway to the intake of sugars and starches, allowing a saving of glycogen, but also of amino acids on a muscular level.
Furthermore, compared to carbohydrates, medium chain fatty acids provide a significantly higher energy intake (8.3 kcal per gram).
All these features make MCTs used in entral or parenteral nutrition in critical, terminal diseases or in conditions of rapid decay (such as chronic pancreatic insufficiency).
Equally important is the use of medium chain fatty acids in the sports field, as an integrative energy source, although the literature is still very skeptical about the real effectiveness.
Instead, the effects on immunity and cancer would be interesting, as they would seem to enlist medium-chain triglycerides as elements with defensive activity.
Benefits and Property
What benefits have medium-chain triglycerides shown during the studies?
There are numerous studies concerning the clinical efficacy of medium chain triglycerides.
More precisely, a careful examination of the literature reveals the usefulness of these nutrients in:
- Counteract the oncologic cachexia, guaranteeing a saving of glycogen and muscle proteins and counteracting excessive weight loss;
- Support the immune defenses, in particular the phagocytic activity, during experimental infections on rodents;
- Improve the clinical management, together with an adequate diet, of drug-resistant epilepsies, lengthening remission times and reducing the intensity and frequency of the acute phases;
- Improve the clinical and nutritional conditions of patients suffering from chronic lung, pancreatic and hepatic diseases;
- Improve the nutritional profile of patients suffering from intestinal malabsorption.
Studies on the efficacy of medium-chain triglycerides in sports and in improving body composition would be less relevant and decidedly more discordant.
Some studies have shown how MCTs can help in favoring the consumption of excess calories, fat metabolism and reduction of appetite, promoting weight loss. However, these are weak evidences, denied by other studies.
Doses and method of use
How to use medium chain triglycerides
The use of medium chain triglycerides, generally justified by clinical causes, should be supervised by medical personnel, who will define the dose that is suitable for the patient's needs.
It is not possible to define a suitable a priori dosage, while it is known that the consumption of doses higher than 80g per day is certainly associated with the onset of unpleasant side effects.
Side effects
The use of medium chain triglycerides, especially at high doses, could determine the appearance of gastro-enteric disorders, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal cramps and irritability.
Contraindications
When should mid-chain triglycerides not be used?
The use of medium chain triglycerides is contraindicated in the case of hepatic encephalopathy and hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.
Pharmacological Interactions
Which drugs or foods can change the effect of medium chain triglycerides?
The simultaneous intake of medium chain triglycerides could facilitate intestinal absorption of liposoluble drugs, fat-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, lipophilic polyphenols, essential fatty acids, magnesium, calcium and lipophilic phytotherapeutic elements.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking medium chain triglycerides?
The use of medium chain triglycerides should be done with particular caution, and under close medical supervision, in patients suffering from diabetes, acidosis, ketosis, cirrhosis or congenital metabolic disorders.
