MCT Supports Weight Loss

NEW YORK—Greater consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) oil, a class of fatty acids found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil and butter, compared to olive oil consumption may increase weight loss in overweight adults (Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;87(3):621-26). Forty-nine overweight men and women, 19 to 50 years old consumed either MCT oil or olive oil as part of a 16-week weight loss program. Thirty-one subjects completed the study. At the end of the 16 weeks, those who consumed MCT oil had a lower endpoint body weight than those who consumed olive oil; trunk fat mass, total fat mass and intra-abdominal adipose tissue were all lower as well.