Medium-chain triglycerides

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are triglycerides made up of a glycerol backbone and three fatty acids with an aliphatic tail of six to 12 carbon atoms. MCTs are found in natural foods, such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and raw coconut meat. In the body, MCTs are broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids, which are directly absorbed into the blood stream and transported to the target organs to exert a range of biological and metabolic effects. MCTs are used in parenteral nutrition therapy: they serve as a source of calories and essential fatty acids in conditions associated with malnutrition and malabsorption.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), in combination with other compounds like fish oils, soya oil, and olive oil, is indicated in adult and pediatric patients, including term and preterm neonates, as a source of calories and essential fatty acids for parenteral nutrition when oral or enteral nutrition is not possible, insufficient, or contraindicated. MCTs are also available as over-the-counter natural products and health supplements.