MCT Oil Content

(Roy D) #1

What is the most effective composition of C8, C10 & C12 in MCT supplement oils?

MCT oils are typically comprised of a combination of C8, C10 & C12 (Caprice/Caprylic/Capric acids respectively) components. Although a typical serving size for MCT oil is listed at 1 Tbsp (or 15 mL), different brands of MCT oil contain different ratios of C8, C10 and/or C12. What is the difference between using an MCT oil with a higher/pure concentration of one of the acids over the others? (Bulletproof MCT oil is listed at 100% C8 (with a premium price), vs. other MCT brand oils being a combination of C8, C10 & C12 at more moderate prices.) Is there any research stating which acid is better for weight loss (appetite suppressant/achieving satiety) vs. achieving mental acuity?

Also, when investigating different brands of MCT oil on Amazon, I noticed that not all C8, C10 & C12 oil content reported on the label equals the total amount of fat reported on the label. (I.e. “Nature’s Way MCT Oil” reports a total fat content per serving of 14 g, with 7.7g of C8 and 5.0g of C10. Note in this case that the total C8 and C10 fat totals 12.7g (out of a total of 14g of fat reported on the label.) What other fats do these products contain that are not reported on the label (unreported C12 or other non-MCT oils)?

Anyone know of any research the the impact on the different compositions of C8, C10 & C12 in MCT oil?

TIA
KCKO

(Michael - When reality fails to meet expectations, the problem is not reality.) #2

My guess is it’s much ado about nothing important.

(Prancing Pony) #3

I can’t answer about the make up of the oils but the C8 causes much less gastric trouble. I believe with fewer carbon links it is easier to absorb and therefore less gets to your bowels and you get less disaster pants issues.

And that is not just me agreeing with what the suppliers say, self experiment bore it out.

(Bob M) #4

I have also found this to be true. I tried one brand that was “only” C8, and I could take it. I’ve tried multiple other brands that were mixtures, and they cause issues for me.

(Bob M) #5

This is the one I could take:

(Bunny) #6

Cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil is what I would want to use!

The more it’s processed like heat extracted or chemically extracted and how long it’s been sitting around in the bottle the worse the ratios will be off!

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#7

And I’ve found the exact opposite. Bulletproof’s Brain Octane (all C8 caprylic acid) gave me by far the most stomach burning/discomfort. Other brands which include some C10 (capric acid) or even a little C12 (lauric acid) are far more tolerable to me.

(Prancing Pony) #8

I remember when they released brain octane lots of previous customers of the xct oil said that. I guess we are all unique creatures

(Bob M) #12

Supposedly, there’s a dose-response relationship between MCT and ketones. That is, the more MCT you take, the higher your ketones.

I recently tried MCT oils. I was able to get to 1 tablespoon at a time. I think they did cause higher ketones, and also a beneficial effect on hunger. Since my bottle is empty, I’m waiting to try them again.

(M) #13

I know dried unsweetened coconut flakes have carbs, but do they have MCT’s the way the oil does?

Supposedly just 3 tablespoons of the flakes is only 3 carbs or so, 4 in 1/4 cup.

I don’t want to eat anything really processed. I got sick a few times after coconut oil.

(Bob M) #14

I believe so, although the fats in MCTs are typically processed so you get C8 and C10. For instance, the MCTs I tried were all C8 and C10.

This says coconut is about 65% MCTs:

I also was eating some coconut, and still do.

Edit: Forgot to note that when I tried MCT oils, I had to start low, say teaspoon at a time, then build up to a tablespoon (the maximum I ate at one time).

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #16

Try looking it up here: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/

(Bob M) #17

I found that to be a little confusing to use, but you can find this:

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And this tells you what they are:

(B Creighton) #18

You are just a little off. C6(caproic acid), C8(caprylic acid), and C10(capric acid) are the accepted MCTs. C12 is lauric acid. At a max only about 25% of consumed lauric acid will get converted into ketones upon digestion. However, that is something. So, in terms of digestibility, I believe that makes coconut oil the best in terms of raising ketones. I have not looked for a study comparing these sources.

When you ask which are the most effective I assume you mean which raise the ketone levels the most. This I do not know. Caprylic acid is the most effective antifungal in the group, and does wonders against yeast overgrowth. Lauric acid is going to be the most antibacterial.

I have never had an issue consuming any of these, but many report various symptoms associated with consuming more than a little bit of MCT oil. My main use for MCT oil is to make a salad dressing, I mix with balsamic vinegar and spices. I now avoid virtually all store bought salad dressings as they typically have processed seed oils. I use quite a bit of virgin coconut oil, which is going to be around 15% MCTs unless you count lauric acid. I even make a fat bomb with it, and will consume probably about 4-6 oz of coconut oil in that at a time with no discernible digestive issues for me. I also have been getting maybe a tblsp or 2 of MCTs in the morning with goat yogurt.

Rather than worry about the exact formulation of a MCT product, I suggest just using these products above with as much enjoyment as possible. I do know that C6 is the least common of the MCTs in nature, and so trying to get a product with more of this particular MCT is going to be more expensive. I will say I lost weight very successfully last year using goat yogurt and coconut oil fat bombs. Since then, I have gained about half back, but I will be cutting back on sugary desserts this year.