MCT Oil
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides (C8, C10, C12)) is a dietary supplement with 3 published peer-reviewed studies involving 5,800 participants, researched for Weight Management.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Weight Management
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Weight Management
To evaluate effects of MCTs on weight loss and body composition.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate effects of MCTs on weight loss and body composition.
Dose
MCT oil 15-60g daily replacing equivalent long-chain fat
Participants
Multiple RCTs (600+ combined participants)
Duration
3 weeks to 12 months
Results
MCTs more effective than LCTs in reducing body weight, body fat, and waist circumference. Moderate effect size. Greater effect with pure C8/C10 MCT vs mixed products.
How They Measured It
Body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference across RCTs
To assess impact of MCT on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight/obese adults.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To assess impact of MCT on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight/obese adults.
Dose
Various MCT doses
Participants
Multiple RCTs combined
Duration
Various
Results
MCT-enriched diets significantly more effective for weight reduction (WMD: -1.53%). Pure MCT showed greater effect. Secondary improvements in insulin sensitivity.
How They Measured It
Body weight, fat mass, BMI, insulin sensitivity
To assess MCT oil on cognition in mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover
Purpose
To assess MCT oil on cognition in mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Dose
MCT oil 17.3g three times daily
Participants
53 mild-moderate Alzheimer's patients (APOE4 negative)
Duration
30 days per phase
Results
MCT significantly improved cognitive scores in APOE4-negative AD patients. Blood ketone levels elevated. APOE4-positive patients did not benefit.
How They Measured It
ADAS-cog, MMSE, blood ketone levels, cognitive battery
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MCT Oil research
There are currently 95 peer-reviewed studies on MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides (C8, C10, C12)), involving 5,800 total participants. Research covers Weight management, Cognitive function, Energy production and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (3 human studies), and reported outcomes.
MCT Oil has been researched for: Weight management, Cognitive function, Energy production, Ketosis support. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 3 out of 95 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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