Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) Can Support Brain and Metabolic Health, But the Source and Dosage Matters

In recent years, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have gained traction in both human and animal nutrition for their potential health benefits. But beyond the buzzwords and marketing hype, what are MCTs really, and how can they support pet health? Whether you're a veterinary professional seeking evidence-based insights or a pet parent navigating dietary choices, this post offers a science-backed overview of MCTs and their implications—particularly from sources like coconut oil and palm oil.

 

🔬 What Are Medium-Chain Triglycerides, Molecularly?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the diet and body, composed of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol backbone. The chain length of these fatty acids determines how they behave in the body:

• Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Fewer than 6 carbon atoms
• Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs): 6–12 carbon atoms
• Long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs): More than 12 carbon atoms

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are triglycerides that contain primarily medium-chain fatty acids such as:

• Caproic acid (C6)
• Caprylic acid (C8)
• Capric acid (C10)
• Lauric acid (C12) (borderline)

Except of lauric acid, which tends to behave in the body more like a long chain fatty acid, these fatty acids are absorbed directly into the portal vein and transported to the liver, where they are rapidly oxidized for energy—bypassing the lymphatic system and avoiding storage as fat.

Why Lauric Acid (C12) Behaves Like a Long-Chain Saturated Fat

1. Absorption Pathway

True medium-chain fatty acids (C8 and C10) are absorbed directly into the portal circulation, rapidly reaching the liver for energy conversion. In contrast, lauric acid (C12) often enters the lymphatic system via chylomicron formation—much like long-chain fatty acids. This route slows its delivery to the liver, reducing its speed of oxidation.

2. Digestion and Hydrolysis

C8 and C10 are quickly hydrolyzed by pancreatic lipase and oxidized. Lauric acid’s absorption is slower and more akin to the metabolic fate of long-chain fats, leading to delayed energy release and potential for storage.

3. Metabolic Fate

Lauric acid can promote triacylglyceride synthesis and storage more readily than shorter MCTs. Its oxidation rate is intermediate—slower than C8/C10, but faster than typical long-chain fatty acids. As a result, its utility as a rapid energy source or ketone precursor is more limited compared to true MCTs.

Bottom line: For pets requiring fast energy delivery, support for ketone production, or cognitive or metabolic support, pure sources rich in C8 and C10 are preferable over lauric-rich oils.

 

🧪 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of MCTs

While much of the early research has focused on human applications, emerging studies are beginning to validate similar benefits in companion animals, especially dogs.

1. 🧠 Cognitive Support

MCTs are metabolized into ketone bodies, which can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain. Several studies have shown that MCT supplementation may support cognitive function in aging dogs, especially those experiencing signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), a canine analog of Alzheimer’s disease or with compromised glucose metabolism.

• Study highlight: A 2010 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition demonstrated improved cognitive performance in senior dogs fed an MCT-enriched diet for 90 days.

2. ⚡ Rapid Energy Source

Because of their unique absorption and metabolism, MCTs provide a quick source of energy—especially useful for working dogs, post-surgical recovery, or pets with certain metabolic conditions.  A study conducted by Nestle Purina found that MCTs can reshape lipid and amino acid metabolism, suggesting benefits beyond cognition—potentially supporting systemic resilience.

3. 🐾 Weight Management

Some evidence suggests MCTs may help promote satiety and support healthy weight in overweight animals by increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation, improving glucose management.  Therefore, dietary MCT-induced changes in postprandial (i.e. after eating) blood amino acids levels may promote improved glucose management.  Read on to learn more.

4. 🦠 Antimicrobial Properties

Lauric acid (C12), though technically on the cusp between medium- and long-chain, has antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This could contribute to overall gut and immune health, although more animal-specific research is needed.

 

Metabolomics Study: MCT Supplementation Rewires Metabolic Networks

The study “Effects of Dietary Medium‑Chain Triglyceride Supplementation on the Serum Metabolome of Young Adult and Senior Canines” (Pan et al., 2024) used untargeted metabolomics to assess systemic changes in dogs fed an MCT-enriched diet. The work was funded and conducted under the Nestlé Purina Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (PMC, MDPI).

Key Findings:

• Complex lipid alterations: MCT feeding changed levels of various lipid classes including triacylglycerides, glycerophospholipids, and cholesterol esters.
• Ketone body elevation: Higher circulating ketone bodies suggest enhanced hepatic ketogenesis.
• Amino acid shifts: Notable changes in glutamine, alanine, and select branched-chain and aromatic amino acids.

These findings indicate that MCT supplementation rewires global metabolism beyond just cognitive support, potentially offering broad health benefits across organ systems (PMC, MDPI).

🥥 Common MCT Sources: Coconut Oil vs Palm Oil

Both coconut oil and palm kernel oil are plant-based sources rich in MCTs—but not all oils (or MCTs) are created equal.  To deliver a more concentrated dose of MCTs, it may be best to feed an MCT oil supplement instead of coconut or palm oil.

Fatty Acid	Coconut Oil	Palm Kernel Oil	Health Impact
Caprylic (C8)	~7%	~4%	Rapid energy, gut support
Capric (C10)	~6%	~3%	Supports metabolism
Lauric (C12)	~50%	~48%	Antimicrobial, slower metabolism
Total MCTs	~60–65%	~55–60%	Variable depending on processing

✅ Pros of Coconut Oil & Palm Kernel Oil

• Readily available and affordable
• Provide a natural source of MCTs
• Lauric acid offers antimicrobial benefits but is digested like a long chain fatty acid and therefore does not offer the benefits of MCTs to the body.
• Coconut oil is often well-accepted by pets for palatability

⚠️ Cons and Considerations

• Lauric acid (C12) behaves more like a long-chain fatty acid in metabolism—slower to oxidize than C8/C10.
• Fat-sensitive conditions (e.g., pancreatitis, certain liver diseases) may be exacerbated by added oils.
• Palm oil production is associated with environmental concerns, including deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
• Caloric density: All oils are energy-dense; overuse may contribute to weight gain if not carefully managed.

🐶 Health Considerations: When Are MCTs Appropriate?

MCTs can be a beneficial addition in specific veterinary contexts:

• Cognitive decline in senior dogs
• Epilepsy management (emerging research on MCTs as adjunct therapy)
• Malabsorption syndromes where rapid lipid absorption is needed
• Cachexia or muscle wasting, where increased caloric intake is required without taxing the digestive system

However, they should not be used indiscriminately. Always assess:

• The pet’s overall diet and caloric needs
• Underlying metabolic or gastrointestinal disorders
• Risk of pancreatitis or fat intolerance

🧾 Bottom Line: Are MCTs Right for Your Pet?

Medium-chain triglycerides offer real, science-supported benefits—particularly for aging brains and rapid energy needs. However, not all MCT sources are equal, and not every pet needs MCT supplementation.

1. Molecular clarity matters: C8/C10 are fast-metabolized; C12 (lauric) behaves more like long-chain fat.
2. Evidence shows systemic metabolic reprogramming: MCT feeding alters circulating lipids and amino acids, not just cognition (PMC, MDPI).
3. Choose wisely for therapeutic goals: Select MCT formulations rich in C8/C10 for cognitive or metabolic support.
4. Use whole oils judiciously: Coconut and palm oils are valuable but not substitutes for targeted MCT use; account for calories, fat digestion, and environmental ethics.
5. Consult before supplementation: Tailor usage to your pet’s metabolic needs, underlying conditions, and overall caloric intake.

References (Selected)

• Pan Y, et al. (2010). "Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs." British Journal of Nutrition.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20141643/
• Law TH, et al. (2015). " A randomised trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy." British Journal of Nutrition.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4635653/
• Molina J, et al. (2020)  “Efficacy of medium chain triglyceride oil dietary supplementation in reducing seizure frequency in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy without cluster seizures: a non-blinded, prospective clinical trial.” Vet Record https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7799411/
• Pan Y. et al (2024 ) “ Effects of Dietary Medium-Chain Triglyceride Supplementation on the Serum Metabolome of Young Adult and Senior Canines”  Animals https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/24/3577