MCT fat (medium chain fatty acids) from coconut
MCT fat (medium chain fatty acids) from coconut
As the name suggests, MCTs contain fat, fat with medium-chain fatty acids called triglycerides. Due to the shorter length of the fatty acids, they are more easily absorbed by the body than long-chain fatty acids found in many other foods.
MCT oil is most commonly extracted from coconut oil, as more than 50% of the fat in coconut oil comes from MCTs. These fats are also found in other foods, such as palm oil and dairy products.
There are four different types of MCT fats, of which caprylic acid and capric acid are most commonly found in MCT oil. In some cases, these specific types have unique advantages.