Medium-chain Triglycerides – (MCTs) are medium-chain (6 to 12 carbons) fatty-acid esters of glycerol most frequently used in nutraceutical foods and beverages and cosmeceutical personal care products.
In the human body, MCTs passively diffuse from the GI tract into the portal vein without requirement for modification that long-chain fatty acids or very-long-chain fatty acids require. Since MCTs are bland compared to other fats and do not generate flavor or fragrance off-notes, they are also used in personal care products and pharmaceuticals.
MCTs are produced in the United States from vegetable oil fatty acids from natural sources.
In foods, beverages and nutraceutical applications, MCT ingredients rapidly absrb into the body and are a potentially good energy sources for everyday exercise enthusiasts as well as athletes and bodybuilders. MCTs are often incorporated into beverages, mixes, nutritional bars or energy foods.
Medium-chain triglycerides are also used as high quality carriers and emollients in the formulation of cosmetics to be certified according to the Natural and Organic Ecocert Standards. MCTs are frequently found in topical aerosols, foams, creams, ointments and lotions, and are regularly used in flavorings and fragrances because of their bland taste profiles and low natural odor.
