MCT Oil & Bodybuilding: Facts / Benefits of Medium-Chain Triglycerides
( Advanced Science and Research on MCT OIL - fitFlex Articles - Learn, Share and Discover! ) ..
Many bodybuilders on diets rely on a popular supplement called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) as an energy
source. The popularity of this supplement stems from its rapid oxidation and lower proclivity to winding up as
stored fat. This is true despite the fact that MCT oil contains 8-10 carbons and is therefore a saturated fat.
But unlike most forms of fat, MCTs are rapidly absorbed, and when taken in smaller amounts, they don't require
carnitine for transport in the mitochondria portion of cells, where fat is burned. Also, MCTs provide 8.3
calories per gram, compared with an average of nine calories per gram for other fats.
MCTs also tend to rapidly convert into intermediate byproducts of fat metabolism called ketones. The significance
here is that ketones are a usable form of energy for individuals on low-carb or low-calorie diets. As such, they
spare vital muscle protein, obviously advantageous during dieting.
A recent study compared MCTs to long-chain fats (such as those found in polyunsaturated oils like vegetable or flax)
for their ability to increase performance during weight training. Male subjects in the study consumed 30 milliliters
of either MCTs or long-chain triglycerides (ICTs). The subjects were tested after performing squats; any differences
between the two fat sources on work output were noted. While the MCTs didn't produce a noticeable advantage in total
work output, the subjects did experience slightly less fatigue when taking MCTs than they did when using MCTs.
While the study didn't discuss the mechanism behind this MCT-based advantage, the implication is that it was probably
due to the MCTs' absorption rate, which is faster than the ICTs'. On the other hand, MCTs are also said to inhibit fat
oxidation during low-carb diets, because the body burns supplemented MCTs in preference to saturated bodyfat. For this
reason, it seems to make more physiological sense to consume MCT supplements during high-carbohydrate conditions.
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