MCT Oil & Your Brain (Medium Chain Triglycerides)

According to a 2004 study, neurobiological evidence suggests that increasing plasma ketone body levels through an oral dose of Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) may improve cognitive function in seniors with memory challenges.*¹

Pretty cool, right?

The study results.

In the study, participants with age-related cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment consumed a beverage containing MCTs or a placebo.

The results showed significant increases in the ketone body Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (Beta-OHB) levels after 90 minutes in the MCT group. For about 20% of the participants, Beta-OHB levels kept rising between the 90- and 120-minute marks.*

During cognitive testing, the MCT treatment may have improved performance on the Progressive Cognitive D. Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) Subscale for 20% of the subjects.*

Higher ketone levels were also correlated to more notable improvements in paragraph recall with MCT treatment compared to the placebo across all study participants.*¹

What makes MCT Oils so special?

MCTs get their name from their chemical structure length. All types of fatty acids are made up of a series of connected hydrogen and carbon atoms. Fats are classified by the number of carbons they have.

For example, short-chain fats (like Butyric Acid) have fewer than six carbons, medium-chain fats have between six and twelve carbons, and long-chain fats (like Omega-3s) have between thirteen and twenty-one.

So, what makes MCTs a great source of essential healthy fats?

Medium-chain fats are typically digested more quickly and sent directly to your liver (where they have a thermogenic effect and may positively influence your metabolism).*²

This is one reason many say that MCTs are often metabolized by the body for energy (or "fuel") instead of being stored as fat.*

In fact, a 2022 study found that MCTs may supply the head-brain with 8-9% more energy than Glucose!*³

Compared to longer-chain fats, MCTs may be absorbed more easily (since the body has less work to do in breaking apart carbon bonds). They are also smaller, so they can more readily permeate cell membranes and don't require special enzymes for our bodies to utilize them.

MCTs may be a brain changer.*

MCTs may improve energy levels and mood.*

When you think of energy, what comes to mind? Maybe a cup of coffee, an energy drink, or a good pair of running shoes. But if you're looking for long-lasting energy, MCT oil may be where it all starts.

How so? Well, our brain is largely made up of fatty acids. So, we need a steady supply from diet to stay sharp, think clearly, and perform well at work. Medium-chain fats are some of the easiest to digest and utilize—and they're considered super protective for your brain.*

This may be particularly beneficial for seniors experiencing cognitive decline (as their brains often struggle to utilize Glucose effectively).*

A 2012 study published in the Neurodegenerative D. Management journal looked into how MCTs may help improve memory challenges (including those related to cognitive decline in seniors) by increasing ketone levels in the blood—which can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain:*⁴

• Memory improvement: MCTs have been shown to improve various aspects of memory (including working memory, immediate recall, and delayed recall). Researchers demonstrated this through multiple cognitive tests—such as the mini-mental state exam (MMSE) and the Wechsler Memory Scale.*
• Cognitive function in seniors: The study specifically noted potential improvements in cognitive function among seniors, suggesting that MCTs might help maintain mental health as people age.*
• Energy source: MCTs are more rapidly metabolized by the liver and converted into Ketones—which the brain can use more efficiently. This quick conversion can make MCTs a valuable energy source, potentially improving mental clarity and overall cognitive performance.*
• Potential for age-related cognitive impairment: While some evidence suggests that MCTs may help support cognitive function in individuals with progressive cognitive challenges by providing an alternative energy source to Glucose, the results are mixed.*

And it all makes sense. A food that can fuel your brain and aid in absorbing vitamins and minerals (and other nutrients) could potentially make you feel more clear headed, energetic, and positive.*

MCTs may support your entire brain system.*

The gut-brain connection is another area where MCTs may play an important role.*

According to research, MCTs may support a healthy Gut [3rd Brain] microbiome by optimizing intestinal flora (needed for producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine).*⁵

Additionally, MCTs have been found to have antimicrobial properties that may help manage gut health by combating harmful bacteria and yeast (and contributing to overall digestive health).*⁶

Research also suggests that MCTs may benefit Heart [2nd Brain] health. How? Medium-Chain Triglycerides can improve cholesterol levels by increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and reducing LDL (bad cholesterol).⁷ This delicate balance may help lower the risk of heart challenges.*

Additionally, MCTs may potentially enhance overall cardiovascular health by promoting better weight management and reducing factors such as high blood pressure and obesity (common contributors to heart problems).*⁷

Our takeaway.

At HCF®, choosing MCT Oil as a suspension medium isn't an arbitrary decision. MCT Oil is quickly absorbed and metabolized, making it ideal for delivering and enhancing the bioavailability of other nutrients we carefully include in our advanced nootropics.*

Plus, our time-release microbead technology works hand in hand with the perceived benefits of MCT Oil, potentially optimizing how nutrients are delivered and absorbed and maximizing their effectiveness.*