Nutricost MCT Oil is a dietary supplement containing 3,000 mg of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) per serving, with a focus on caprylic acid (C8), the most ketogenic form of MCT. MCTs are unique in their rapid absorption and direct hepatic metabolism, bypassing the need for carnitine transport and enabling swift conversion into ketones—making them a valuable energy source for the brain and muscles, particularly under metabolic stress or carbohydrate restriction.
Research demonstrates that C8-rich MCT oil enhances ketone production, supports muscle oxidative capacity during catabolic states like cachexia [1], and improves survival in energy-deficient neonates [2]. Its use extends to clinical nutrition, including management of long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders, where MCTs serve as an essential alternative fuel source [3]. Additionally, MCTs exhibit antimicrobial properties, particularly against gastrointestinal fungal pathogens such as Candida spp. in vulnerable populations [4].
Quick Summary
Full transparency is demonstrated with a clearly labeled 3,000 mg of MCT Oil per serving and no proprietary blends, allowing accurate dose assessment.
The primary ingredient, MCT Oil, is present at 3,000 mg per serving—60% of the clinical midpoint (12.5 g). While below the upper end of therapeutic dosing, it supports gradual titration toward effective levels, especially for cognitive or ketogenic support.
MCT oil in triglyceride form is highly bioavailable due to rapid gastric absorption and direct portal delivery to the liver. The liquid format further enhances absorption, though powdered forms with fiber may offer better GI tolerance in sensitive individuals.
Generally safe for healthy adults when dosed appropriately, but gastrointestinal side effects are common at higher intakes. Medical supervision is advised for children, pregnant women, and those with liver disease.
Suggested: 4 servings/day to reach clinical midpoint
Why Take This Product
Key Benefits
- Enhanced Ketone Production: C8 MCT is preferentially converted into ketones in the liver, providing an efficient alternative energy source for the brain and muscles, particularly during fasting or ketogenic diets [1].
- Metabolic and Muscle Support: In preclinical models, MCT supplementation prevented declines in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity under inflammatory stress, suggesting utility in catabolic conditions like cachexia [1].
- Therapeutic Energy Source: MCTs are recommended at 10–25% of total energy intake in long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders, serving as a critical fuel source when long-chain fats cannot be metabolized [3].
- Improved Neonatal Outcomes: Supplementation with MCTs reduced mortality by 1.9-fold in low-birth-weight piglets, highlighting its role in improving energy availability in metabolically vulnerable newborns [2].
- Gastrointestinal Antimicrobial Effects: MCT oil has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal colonization by Candida species in preterm infants, offering protective effects in immunocompromised or developing gut environments [4].
Who Should Take This
Potential Side Effects
Ingredient Breakdown
The formulation centers on MCT Oil as the sole active ingredient, delivered in a highly bioavailable liquid triglyceride form. No additional supportive compounds are included, ensuring purity and targeted metabolic action.
Primary Ingredients
C8 MCT Oil Powder
Energy substrate, ketone precursor, antimicrobial agent
Clinical doses range from 5 g/day for general cognitive support to 20 g/day in ketogenic regimens. At 3,000 mg (3 g) per serving, this provides 60% of the clinical midpoint (12.5 g). Suggested intake may require 2–4 servings to reach full therapeutic effect depending on goal.
Medium-chain triglycerides, particularly caprylic acid (C8), are rapidly absorbed and metabolized in the liver to produce ketones, offering a fast and efficient energy source independent of insulin or carnitine transport. C8 is the most ketogenic MCT form, making it ideal for cognitive and metabolic support.
Practical Recommendations
- Start Low And Increase Gradually: Begin with 1–2 g (approximately 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) per day to assess tolerance, then slowly increase to desired intake to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Use In Ketogenic Or Low-Carb Diets: Incorporate into coffee, smoothies, or meals to enhance ketone production and support sustained energy and mental focus.
- Consult Healthcare Provider For Medical Use: For use in metabolic disorders, pediatric applications, or alongside antiepileptic drugs, professional guidance is essential to ensure safety and efficacy.
Is it Safe?
While generally safe for healthy adults, MCT oil requires cautious dosing initiation and medical oversight in specific populations. Its reliance on hepatic metabolism necessitates avoidance in liver impairment, and interactions with certain medications should be considered.
Safety & Considerations
- Liver Function: Avoid in individuals with impaired liver function due to reliance on hepatic metabolism for MCT processing.
- Gastrointestinal: Start with low doses (1–2 g/day) and increase gradually to minimize risk of diarrhea, cramping, or nausea.
- Drug Interaction: Monitor for potential interactions with antiepileptic drugs when used in ketogenic dietary therapy.
- Pediatric Use: Use only under medical supervision in infants or children, especially for metabolic conditions.
Reports for Similar Products
The Science
With 3,000 mg per serving and alignment with clinical dosing ranges for cognitive and metabolic support, this product delivers a therapeutically relevant amount of MCTs, particularly when used as directed. The absence of fillers or proprietary blends enhances confidence in its efficacy.
MCT supplementation (5.0 g/kg/day) prevented reduction in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in LPS-induced cachectic mice.
MCT-LCT supplementation (1.95 g/day for 3 days) reduced mortality 1.9-fold in small newborn piglets.
MCT supplementation is recommended at 10–25% of total energy in long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders.
MCT oil supplementation reduced Candida spp. burden in preterm infants.
Feeding calves MCT-rich diets improved insulin responsiveness and body composition.
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