title: A good response to oil with medium- and long-chain fatty acids in body fat and blood lipid profiles of male hypertriglyceridemic subjects. Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men. Consumption of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols decreases body fat and blood triglyceride in Chinese hypertriglyceridemic subjects Effect of dietary medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) on accumulation of body fat in healthy humans. Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil on the Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity Differential oxidation of individual dietary fatty acids in humans. Medium- and Long-Chain Triacylglycerols Reduce Body Fat and Blood Triacylglycerols in Hypertriacylglycerolemic, Overweight but not Obese, Chinese Individuals Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of body fat in a double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women. Consumption of a functional oil rich in phytosterols and medium-chain triglyceride oil improves plasma lipid profiles in men. Comparison of the effects of medium-chain triacylglycerols, palm oil, and high oleic acid sunflower oil on plasma triacylglycerol fatty acids and lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in humans. Effect of 3 modified fats and a conventional fat on appetite, energy intake, energy expenditure, and substrate oxidation in healthy men. Substitution of saturated with monounsaturated fat in a 4-week diet affects body weight and composition of overweight and obese men. Value of VLCD supplementation with medium chain triglycerides Medium- versus long-chain triglycerides for 27 days increases fat oxidation and energy expenditure without resulting in changes in body composition in overweight women Effects of margarine containing medium-chain triacylglycerols on body fat reduction in humans. Effects of dietary medium-chain triglyceride on weight loss and insulin sensitivity in a group of moderately overweight free-living type 2 diabetic Chinese subjects. Effects of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), myristic acid, and oleic acid on serum lipoproteins in healthy subjects. Consumption of an oil composed of medium chain triacyglycerols, phytosterols, and N-3 fatty acids improves cardiovascular risk profile in overweight women. Changes in blood lipids during six days of overfeeding with medium or long chain triglycerides. Greater rise in fat oxidation with medium-chain triglyceride consumption relative to long-chain triglyceride is associated with lower initial body weight and greater loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue Structured medium and long chain triglycerides show short-term increases in fat oxidation, but no changes in adiposity in men. Fatty acid chain length, postprandial satiety and food intake in lean men [The role of oils containing triacylglycerols and medium-chain fatty acids in the dietary treatment of obesity. The effect on resting energy expenditure and serum lipids]. Twenty-four-hour energy expenditure and urinary catecholamines of humans consuming low-to-moderate amounts of medium-chain triglycerides: a dose-response study in a human respiratory chamber. Phytosterols mixed with medium-chain triglycerides and high-oleic canola oil decrease plasma lipids in overweight men. The influence of the type of dietary fat on postprandial fat oxidation rates: monounsaturated (olive oil) vs saturated fat (cream) Chinese Hypertriglycerideamic Subjects of Different Ages Responded Differently to Consuming Oil with Medium- and Long-Chain Fatty Acids Effects of a liquid diet supplement containing structured medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols on bodyfat accumulation in healthy young subjects. CONSORT 2010 Statement: updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomised trials
abstract: A double blind clinical trial was carried out to clarify the effects of oil with medium- and long-chain triglyceride ( MLCT ) on body fat and blood lipid profiles in hypertriglyceridemic subjects . One-hundred- and -twelve subjects were enrolled and divided into two groups ; those that consumed MLCT oil and those that consumed long-chain triglyceride ( LCT ) oil for 8 weeks . All subjects were requested to consume 25 - 30 g of the oils daily and maintain a fixed level of energy intake and exercise . Anthropometric and blood biochemical parameters were measured when the study was initiated and completed . The  LCT group consisted of 50 subjects ( 34 men and 16 women ) , while the MLCT group consisted of 51 subjects ( 33 men and 18 women ) who completed the study . Larger decreases in body weight , body mass index , waist circumference , body fat , total fat area and subcutaneous fat area in the abdomen and serum triglycerides , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol , apolipoprotein B , C2 , C3 and E were observed in male subjects in the MLCT group than those in the LCT group . However , no significant differences in these parameters between the female subjects in the two groups were observed . Data from this study indicate that consumption of medium- and long-chain triglycerides can reduce body weight and body fat and improve blood lipid profiles in male hypertriglyceridemic subjects OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of diets rich in medium-chain triglycerides ( MCTs ) or long-chain triglycerides ( LCTs ) on body composition , energy expenditure , substrate oxidation , subjective appetite , and ad libitum energy intake in overweight men . RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES Twenty-four healthy , overweight men with body mass indexes between 25 and 31 kg/m(2 ) consumed diets rich in MCT or LCT for 28 days each in a crossover r and omized controlled trial . At baseline and after 4 weeks of each dietary intervention , energy expenditure was measured using indirect calorimetry , and body composition was analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging . RESULTS Upper body adipose tissue ( AT ) decreased to a greater extent ( p < 0.05 ) with functional oil ( FctO ) compared with olive oil ( OL ) consumption ( -0.67 + /- 0.26 kg and -0.02 + /- 0.19 kg , respectively ) . There was a trend toward greater loss of whole-body subcutaneous AT volume ( p = 0.087 ) with FctO compared with OL consumption . Average energy expenditure was 0.04 + /- 0.02 kcal/min greater ( p < 0.05 ) on day 2 and 0.03 + /- 0.02 kcal/min ( not significant ) on day 28 with FctO compared with OL consumption . Similarly , average fat oxidation was greater ( p = 0.052 ) with FctO compared with OL intake on day 2 but not day 28 . DISCUSSION Consumption of a diet rich in MCTs results in greater loss of AT compared with LCTs , perhaps due to increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation observed with MCT intake . Thus , MCTs may be considered as agents that aid in the prevention of obesity or potentially stimulate weight loss Objectives : To investigate the effects of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerol ( MLCT ) on blood triglyceride ( TG ) in Chinese hypertriglyceridemic subjects . Methods : A double-blind controlled clinical trial was carried out , in which 112 subjects with hypertriglyceridemia were r and omly divided into two dietary oil groups : ( 1 ) long-chain triacylglycerol ( LCT ) and ( 2 ) MLCT . All subjects were requested to ingest fixed energy and to continue their normal activity levels , and to consume LCT or MLCT oil at 25–30 g daily during the study period . Anthropometric measurements of body weight , body mass index ( BMI ) , body fat , body fat percentage , waist and hip circumference ( WC and HC ) , areas of subcutaneous and visceral fat by computed tomography scanning and blood biochemical markers were measured at the beginning and end of the study . Results : There were 50 and 51 subjects left in LCT and MLCT groups , respectively . There were no significant differences in daily intake of energy , protein , fat and carbohydrate , as well as the daily physical activity between the two groups during the study . After 8 weeks , MLCT group showed a significant decrease in body weight , BMI , WC , HC , ratio of WC and HC , body fat , body fat percentage and subcutaneous fat when compared with the initial values . The decrease in body weight , BMI , WC , body fat and subcutaneous and visceral fat was significantly greater in MLCT group than that in the LCT group . Furthermore , the serum concentrations of TG in MLCT group were significantly lower than those in the LCT group . Conclusions : Consumption of MLCT may reduce body weight , body fat and blood TG in hypertriglyceridemic subjects under an appropriate dietary regime We investigated whether a structured medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols ( MLCT ) diet could decrease accumulation of body fat in healthy humans . The study was conducted under a double-blind r and omized design . Ninety-three subjects participated in this study . However , 10 subjects could not consume the specified meal , and one subject wished to opt out . Consequently , the study included 82 subjects . The experimental subjects consumed the test bread , which was made with 14 g of MLCT containing 1.7 g MCFA , daily at breakfast during the study period of 12 weeks , and the control subjects consumed bread made with long-chain triacylglycerols ( LCT ) . All subjects consumed the same st and ard packaged meals .  Body composition parameters were body weight , total body fat and abdominal fat , and blood analyses included serum cholesterol , triacylglycerols and phospholipids . Significant decreases of body weight , the amount of body fat , subcutaneous and visceral fat were noted in the MLCT group as compared with those of the LCT group for 12 weeks ( P<0.05 ) . Furthermore , a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol was noted in the MLCT group as compared with that of the LCT group at 8 weeks ( P<0.05 ) . However , other serum parameters were not different between the MLCT and LCT groups . The results suggest that the daily intake of MLCT diet could result in a reduction in body weight and in accumulation of body fat , and , moreover , it could reduce serum total cholesterol The effects of dietary supplementation with coconut oil on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles  of women presenting waist circumferences ( WC ) > 88 cm ( abdominal obesity ) were investigated . The r and omised , double-blind , clinical trial involved 40 women aged 20–40 years . Groups received daily dietary supplements comprising 30 mL of either soy bean oil ( group S ; n = 20 ) or coconut oil ( group C ; n = 20 ) over a 12-week period , during which all subjects were instructed to follow a balanced hypocaloric diet and to walk for 50 min per day . Data were collected 1 week before ( T1 ) and 1 week after ( T2 ) dietary intervention . Energy intake and amount of carbohydrate ingested by both groups diminished over the trial , whereas the consumption of protein and fibre increased and lipid ingestion remained unchanged . At T1 there were no differences in biochemical or anthropometric characteristics between the groups , whereas at T2 group C presented a higher level of HDL ( 48.7 ± 2.4 vs. 45.00 ± 5.6 ; P = 0.01 ) and a lower LDL : HDL ratio ( 2.41 ± 0.8 vs. 3.1 ± 0.8 ; P = 0.04 ) . Reductions in BMI were observed in both groups at T2 ( P < 0.05 ) , but only group C exhibited a reduction in WC ( P = 0.005 ) . Group S presented an increase ( P < 0.05 ) in total cholesterol , LDL and LDL : HDL ratio , whilst HDL diminished ( P = 0.03 ) . Such alterations were not observed in group C. It appears that dietetic supplementation with coconut oil does not cause dyslipidemia and seems to promote a reduction in abdominal obesity BACKGROUND Dietary fatty acids that are more prone to oxidation than to storage may be less likely to lead to obesity . OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chain length , degree of unsaturation , and stereoisomeric effects of unsaturation on the oxidation of individual fatty acids in normal-weight men . DESIGN Fatty acid oxidation was examined in men consuming a weight-maintenance diet containing 40 % of energy as fat .  After consuming the diet for 1 wk , subjects were fed fatty acids labeled with (13)C in the methyl or carboxyl position ( 10 mg/kg body wt ) . The fatty acids fed in r and om order were laurate , palmitate , stearate , oleate , elai date ( the trans isomer of oleate ) , linoleate , and linolenate blended in a hot liquid meal . Breath sample s were collected for the next 9 h and the oxidation of each fatty acid was assessed by examining liberated (13)CO(2 ) in breath . RESULTS Cumulative oxidation over the 9-h test ranged from a high of 41 % of the dose for laurate to a low of 13 % of the dose for stearate . Of the 18-carbon fatty acids , linolenate was the most highly oxidized and linoleate appeared to be somewhat conserved . (13)C recovery in breath from the methyl-labeled fatty acids was approximately 30 % less than that from the carboxyl-labeled fatty acids . CONCLUSIONS In summary , lauric acid is highly oxidized , whereas the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids are fairly well oxidized . Oxidation of the long-chain , saturated fatty acids decreases with increasing carbon number In contrast to the consumption of long-chain triacylglycerols ( LCT ) , consumption of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols ( MLCT ) reduces the body fat and blood triacylglycerols ( TAG ) level in hypertriacylglycerolemic Chinese individuals . These responses may be affected by BMI because of obesity-induced insulin resistance . We aim ed to compare the effects of consuming MLCT or LCT on reducing body fat and blood TAG level in hypertriacylglycerolemic Chinese subjects with different ranges of BMI . Employing a double-blind , r and omized and controlled protocol , 101 hypertriacylglycerolemic subjects ( including 67 men and 34 women ) were r and omly allocated to ingest 25–30 g/day MLCT or LCT oil as the only cooking oil for 8 consecutive weeks . Anthropometric measurements of body weight , BMI , body fat , WC , HC , blood biochemical variables , and subcutaneous fat area and visceral fat area in the abdomen were measured at week 0 and 8 . As compared to subjects with BMI 24–28 kg/m2 in the LCT group , corresponding subjects in the MLCT group showed significantly greater decrease in body weight , BMI , body fat , WC , ratio of WC to HC , total fat area and subcutaneous fat area in the abdomen , as well as blood TAG and LDL-C levels at week 8 . Based upon our results , consumption of MLCT oil may reduce body weight , body fat , and blood TAG and LDL-C levels in overweight hypertriacylglycerolemic Chinese subjects but may not induce these changes in normal or obese hypertriacylglycerolemic subjects We investigated the effect of long-term ingestion of dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols ( MCT ) on body weight and fat in humans . Using a double-blind , controlled protocol , we assessed the potential health benefits of MCT compared with long-chain triacylglycerols ( LCT ) in 78 healthy men and women [ body mass index ( BMI ) > or = 23 kg/m(2 ) : n = 26 ( MCT ) , n = 30 ( LCT ) ; BMI < 23 kg/m(2 ) : n = 15 ( MCT ) , n = 7 ( LCT ) ] . Changes in anthropometric variables , body weight and body fat during the 12-wk MCT treatment period were compared with those in subjects consuming the LCT diet . The subjects were asked to consume 9218 kJ/d and 60 g/d of total fat . The energy , fat , protein and carbohydrate intakes did not differ significantly between the groups . Body weight and body fat in both groups had decreased by wk 4 , 8 and 12 of the study . However , in the subjects with BMI > or = 23 kg/m(2 ) , the extent of the decrease in body weight was significantly greater in the MCT group than in the LCT group . In subjects with BMI > or = 23 kg/m(2 ) , the loss of body fat in the MCT group ( -3.86 + /- 0.3 kg ) was significantly greater than that in the LCT group ( -2.75 + /- 0.2 kg ) at 8 wk . In addition , in subjects with BMI > or = 23 kg/m(2 ) , the decrease in the area of subcutaneous fat in the MCT group was significantly greater than that in the LCT group at wk 4 , 8 and 12 . These results suggest that the MCT diet may reduce body weight and fat in individuals ( BMI > or = 23 kg/m(2 ) ) more than the LCT diet Medium-chain triglycerides ( MCT ) have been proposed as weight-lowering agents , although there is some concern regarding their hyperlipidemic effect . This study evaluates the effects of a combination of MCT oil , phytosterols and flaxseed oil [ functional oil ( FctO ) ] on plasma lipid concentrations and LDL particle size .  Twenty-four healthy overweight men ( body mass index 28.2 + /- 0.4 kg/m(2 ) ) consumed controlled diets design ed to maintain weight for two periods of 29 d each . Diets contained 40 % of energy as fat , 75 % of which was added fat , either FctO or olive oil ( OL ) .  Body composition and blood sample s were analyzed at the baseline and the endpoint of each period . Total cholesterol concentration decreased 12.5 % ( -0.68 mmol/L ; P < 0.05 ) when subjects consumed FctO and 4.7 % when they consumed OL . Similarly , FctO consumption lowered LDL cholesterol concentrations by 13.9 % , whereas OL consumption did not . There was no difference in absolute change in LDL-cholesterol between FctO and OL consumption . Peak LDL particle size was greater in those who consumed FctO than in those who consumed OL ( P < 0.05 ) , with no effect of diet on proportion of large , medium or small particles . We conclude that those who consume a diet containing FctO have a better lipid profile than those who consume a diet rich in OL , which also leads to a larger lipoprotein particle size .  Functional oil consumption can therefore help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease Although medium-chain triacylglycerols ( MCTs , composed of medium-chain fatty acids 8:0 and 10:0 ) have long been described as having neutral effects on serum cholesterol concentrations , experimental evidence supporting this cl aim is limited . In a r and omized , crossover , metabolic-ward study , we compared the lipid effects of a natural food diet supplemented with either MCTs , palm oil , or high oleic acid sunflower oil in nine middle-aged men with mild hypercholesterolemia . Rather than having a neutral effect , MCT oil produced total cholesterol concentrations that were not significantly different from those produced by palm oil ( MCT oil : 5.87 + /- 0.75 mmol/L ; palm oil : 5.79 + /- 0.72 mmol/L ) but significantly higher than that produced by high oleic acid sunflower oil ( 5.22 + /- 0.52 mmol/L ) . Low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations paralleled those of total cholesterol .  MCT oil tended to result in higher triacylglycerol concentrations than either palm oil or high oleic acid sunflower oil , but this difference was not significant . There were no differences in high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations . The palmitic acid and total saturated fatty acid content of plasma triacylglycerols in the MCT-oil diet was not significantly different from that in the palm oil diet . On the basis of percentage of energy , this study suggests that medium-chain fatty acids have one-half the potency that palmitic acid has at raising total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations BACKGROUND Different dietary fats are metabolized differently in humans and may influence energy expenditure , substrate oxidation , appetite regulation , and body weight regulation . OBJECTIVE We examined the short-term effects of 4 triacylglycerols ( test fats ) on subjective appetite , ad libitum energy intake , meal-induced thermogenesis , and postpr and ial substrate oxidation . DESIGN Eleven healthy , normal-weight men ( mean age : 25.1 + /- 0.5 y ) consumed 4 different test fats [ conventional fat ( rapeseed oil ) and 3 modified fats ( lipase-structured fat , chemically structured fat , and physically mixed fat ) ] in a r and omized , double-blind , crossover design . RESULTS No significant differences in appetite sensations or ad libitum energy intakes were observed between the 4 test fats . Overall , the 4 fats exerted different effects on energy expenditure ( meal effect : P < 0.01 ) and substrate oxidation ( interaction between meal and time : P < 0.05 ) . In post hoc tests , the 3 modified fats result ed in significantly higher postpr and ial energy expenditure and fat oxidation than did the conventional fat ( P < 0.008 , Bonferroni adjusted ) ; no significant differences were observed between the 3 modified fats . CONCLUSIONS Structured fats do not change short-term postpr and ial appetite sensations or ad libitum energy intakes but do result in higher postpr and ial energy expenditure and fat oxidation than do conventional fats and hence promote negative energy and fat balance . In humans , a physically mixed fat ( trioctanoate + rapeseed oil ) is metabolized as quickly as are structured fats . The position of medium-chain fatty acids on the glycerol backbone of triacylglycerols does not seem to affect energy expenditure or appetite A r and omised crossover study of eight overweight or obese men ( aged 24 - 49 years , BMI 25.5 - 31.3 kg/m(2 ) ) , who followed two diets for 4 weeks each , was performed to determine whether substitution of saturated fat with monounsaturated fat affects body weight and composition . Subjects were provided with all food and beverages as modules ( selected ad libitum ) of constant macronutrient composition , but differing energy content . The % total energy from saturated fat , monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat was 24 , 13 and 3 % respectively on the saturated fatty acid (SFA)-rich diet and 11 , 22 and 7 % respectively on the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich diet . MUFA accounted for about 80 % of the unsaturated fats consumed on both diets . Body composition , blood pressure , energy expenditure ( resting and postpr and ial metabolic rates , substrate oxidation rate , physical activity ) , serum lipids , the fatty acid profile of serum cholesteryl esters and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured before and after each diet period . Significant ( P < or = 0.05 ) differences in total cholesterol and the fatty acid composition of serum cholesteryl esters provided evidence of dietary adherence . The men had a lower weight ( -2.1 ( SE 0.4 ) kg , P=0.0015 ) and fat mass ( -2.6 ( SE 0.6 ) kg , P=0.0034 ) at the end of the MUFA-rich diet as compared with values at the end of the SFA-rich diet . No significant differences were detected in energy or fat intake , energy expenditure , substrate oxidation rates or self-reported physical activity . Substituting dietary saturated with unsaturated fat , predominantly MUFA , can induce a small but significant loss of body weight and fat mass without a significant change in total energy or fat intake BACKGROUND : Medium chain triglycerides ( MCT ) are energetically less dense , highly ketogenic , and more easily oxidised than long chain triglycerides ( LCT ) . MCT also differ from LCT in their digestive and metabolic pathways . OBJECTIVE : To test the effects of MCT supplementation during a very low calorie diet (VLCD).SUBJECTS AND METHODS : Three groups of tightly matched obese women with body mass index ( BMI ) > 30 kg/m2 received an isoenergetic ( 578.5 kcal )  VLCD  ( Adinax ® , Novo Vital , Sweden ) enriched with MCT or LCT ( 8.0 and 9.9 g/100 g Adinax ® respectively ) or a low-fat ( 3 g/100 g ) and high-carbohydrate regimen . The diets were administered over 4 weeks . Body composition was measured with DEXA and appetite/satiety-according to Blundell . Beta hydroxybutyric acid concentration in plasma and nitrogen excretion in urine was measured during consecutive days of VLCD . The study was performed in a r and omised double-blind manner . RESULTS : The MCT group showed a significantly greater decrease in body weight during the first 2 weeks . The contribution of body fat to the total weight loss was higher while the contribution of fat-free mass ( FFM ) was lower . The MCT group had a higher concentration of ketone bodies in plasma and a lower nitrogen excretion in urine . Hunger feelings were less intense while satiety was higher . These differences were observed during the first 2 weeks of treatment and gradually declined during the third and fourth weeks . CONCLUSIONS : Replacement of LCT by MCT in the VLCD increased the rate of decrease of body fat and body weight and has a sparing effect on FFM . The intensity of hunger feelings was lower and paralleled the higher increase of ketone bodies . These effects gradually declined , indicating subsequent metabolic adaptation . Further studies are required to confirm the protein-sparing and appetite-suppressing effects of MCT supplementation during the first 2 weeks of VLCD treatment OBJECTIVE : To determine the effects of long-term consumption of medium chain ( MCT ) versus long chain triglycerides ( LCT ) on energy expenditure ( EE ) , substrate oxidation and body composition . HYPOTHESIS : MCT consumption will not result in greater EE , substrate oxidation , and body weight loss compared with LCT consumption . RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES : Seventeen healthy obese women participated in this r and omized , crossover inpatient trial . Meals were prepared and consumed on site for two periods of 27 days . Diets containing 40 % of energy as fat , with treatment fat comprising 75 % of the total fat , were design ed to supply each subject with their individual weight-maintaining energy needs . The MCT diet contained 67 % of treatment fat as MCT oil ( 49 % octanoate , 50 % decanoate ) whereas the LCT diet contained exclusively beef tallow as treatment fat . Body composition was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) on day 1 and 28 of each phase while energy expenditure was measured on day 2 and 27 . RESULTS : Changes in total and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes following consumption of MCT and LCT were not different ( −0.61±0.38 l vs −0.54±0.48 l and −0.58±0.35 l vs −0.48±0.40 l , respectively ) . Average EE and fat oxidation were greater ( P<0.05 ) during MCT than LCT consumption ( 0.95±0.019 vs 0.90±0.024 kcal/min , respectively , for EE and 0.080±0.0026 vs 0.075±0.0022 g/min , respectively for fat oxidation ) . DISCUSSION : These results show that long-term consumption of MCT  enhances EE and fat oxidation in obese women , when compared to LCT consumption . The difference in body composition change  between MCT and LCT consumption , although not statistically different , was consistent with differences predicted by the shifts in EE . It can be concluded that substitution of MCT for LCT in a targeted energy balance diet may prevent long-term weight gain via increased EE We found previously that the ingestion of margarine containing medium-chain triacylglycerols ( MCT ) result ed in a significant increase in postpr and ial thermogenesis when compared with long-chain triacylglycerols ( LCT ) . Diets that included margarine containing MCT and LCT were compared for 12 weeks in 73 subjects to investigate the effects  on body weight , body fat , areas of subcutaneous and visceral fat , serum total cholesterols , triglycerides , lipoproteins , plasma glucose , serum insulin , total ketone bodies , and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase , alanine aminotransferase , and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase . We conducted a double-blind , controlled study and used blended rapeseed oil and soybean oil ( LCT ) as a comparison . Two groups ingested 2100 - 2400 kcal/day of energy , 65 - 73 g/day of total fat , and 14 g/day of test margarine ( 5 g/day of MCT or LCT ) . The subjects on the MCT diet demonstrated significant decreases in body fat weight ( - 3.8 + /- 2.4 kg vs - 2.4 + /- 1.7 kg ; MCT vs LCT , mean + /- SD ) , subcutaneous fat ( - 38.2 + /- 29.9 cm(2 ) vs - 22.6 + /- 19.3 cm(2 ) ) , and visceral fat ( - 12.2 + /- 11.2 cm(2 ) vs - 1.6 + /- 12.8 cm(2 ) ) after 12 weeks . There were no clinical differences in measured blood parameters . We suggest that the postpr and ial increase in thermogenesis and control of postpr and ial triglyceride levels may explain these results Prior studies of medium-chain triglyceride ( MCT ) suggest that MCT might be a useful tool for body fat mass management in obese nondiabetic humans . We now report a pilot study that tests if MCT is beneficial for moderately overweight subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus . The study was conducted in a group of 40 free-living subjects in an urban area of China . The subjects were r and omized into 2 test groups , with one given MCT and the other corn oil as control for long-chain triglycerides ( LCTs ) . The test oil ( 18 g/d ) was administered as part of daily food intake for 90 days . All subjects completed the study with self-reported full compliance . Body weight , waist circumference ( WC ) , and serum sample s were analyzed on days 0 , 45 , and 90 . The MCT group showed an across-time reduction in body weight and WC , an increase in serum C-peptide concentration , a reduction in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance , and a decrease in serum cholesterol concentration ( P < .05 , repeated measures ) . No significant across-time difference for the above parameters was detected for the LCT group . These changes were associated with an involuntary reduction in energy intake in the MCT group ( P < .05 , repeated measures ) . A between-group comparison also shows reduced body weight , WC , and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in the MCT group compared with the LCT group at the end of the study . Collectively , our results suggest a link between moderate consumption of MCT and improved risk factors in moderately overweight humans in a low-cost , free-living setting In this study we investigated the effects on lipoproteins of medium chain fatty acids ( MCFA ) and myristic acid relative to those of oleic acid . Thirty-seven women and 23 men consumed a 3-wk run-in diet enriched in oleic acid followed by a 6-wk test diet rich in MCFA ( n = 21 ) , myristic ( n = 20 ) , or oleic acid ( n = 19 ) . Experimental fats were incorporated into solid foods . Total fat intake was 40 En% fat . The dietary compositions were the same except for 10 En% , which was provided by MCFA , myristic , or oleic acids , respectively . With the myristic acid diet , low density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol was 0.37 mmol/L higher compared with the oleic acid diet ( P = 0.0064 for difference in changes ) . The MCFA diet increased LDL cholesterol , though not significantly , with 0.23 mmol/L relative to the oleic acid diet ( P = 0.0752 ) . Compared with the oleic acid diet , HDL cholesterol concentrations increased with the myristic acid diet by 0.10 mmol/L ( P = 0.0273 ) but not with the MCFA diet . The MCFA diet slightly elevated triacylglycerol concentrations , but responses did not significantly differ between the diets . The MCFA diet significantly decreased the apoA-I to apoB ratio compared with both other diets ( P < 0.02 ) . We conclude that MCFA raise LDL cholesterol concentrations slightly and affect the apoA-I to apoB ratio unfavorably compared with oleic acid . Myristic acid is hypercholesterolemic , although less than predicted earlier , and raises both LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations compared with oleic acid Medium chain triacylglycerols ( MCT ) have been suggested as efficacious in weight management because they possess greater thermogenic qualities relative to long chain triacylglycerols ; however , MCT may also increase circulating lipid concentrations , possibly increasing risk of cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) . The present objective was to examine the effect of a diet supplemented with a functional oil ( FctO ) composed of energy expenditure-enhancing MCT ( 50 % of fat ) , cholesterol-lowering phytosterols ( 22 mg/kg body weight ) , and triacylglycerol-suppressing n-3 fatty acids ( 5 % of fat ) , versus a beef tallow-based diet ( BT ) , on plasma lipid and aminothiol concentrations . In a r and omized , single-blind , crossover design , partially-inpatient trial , 17 overweight women consumed each oil as part of a controlled , supervised , targeted energy balance diet for 27 days , with 4 or 8 weeks of washout between phases . Mean plasma total cholesterol concentration was lower ( P < .0001 ) , by 9.1 % , on FctO ( 4.37 + /- 0.20 mmol/L ) versus BT ( 4.80 + /- 0.20 mmol/L ) . Mean plasma low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol was also lower ( P < .0001 ) following FctO ( 2.39 + /- 0.15 mmol/L ) versus BT ( 2.86 + /- 0.16 mmol/L ) , representing a 16.0 % difference between diets . High-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol and circulating triacylglycerol concentrations remained unaffected by treatment . Ratios of HDL : LDL and HDL : total cholesterol were higher ( P < .01 ) by 22.0 % and 11.0 % , respectively , on FctO versus BT . Plasma total homocysteine remained unchanged with FctO , but decreased ( P < .05 ) with control , hence higher ( P < .05 ) end points were observed with FctO ( 6.95 + /- 0.33 micromol/L ) versus BT ( 6.27 + /- 0.28 micromol/L ) . Plasma glutathione increased ( P < .05 ) by 0.44 micromol/L with FctO supplementation . In conclusion , despite equivocal effects on homocysteine levels , consumption of a functional oil composed of MCT , phytosterols , and n-3 fatty acids for 27 days improves the overall cardiovascular risk profile of overweight women Although medium chain triglyceride ( MCT ) is less calorically dense than long chain triglyceride ( LCT ) , it produces a greater thermic effect following ingestion . We hypothesized that the previously observed high rate of thermogenesis produced by MCT overfeeding was due to hepatic de novo synthesis of long chain fatty acids ( LCFA ) from the excess medium chain fatty acids ( MCFA ) . To study this , we compared the effects of overfeeding MCT- and LCT-containing diets on blood lipid profiles .  Ten in-patient , nonobese males were overfed ( 150 % of estimated energy requirements ) two formula diets for 6 days each , in a r and omized crossover design . Diets differed only in the composition of the fat and contained either 40 % of energy as MCT or LCT ( soybean oil ) . The major differences between diets in the result ing pattern of blood lipids were : 1 ) a reduction in fasting serum total cholesterol concentrations with the LCT , but not the MCT diet ; and 2 ) a threefold increase in fasting serum triglyceride concentrations with MCT , but not LCT , diet . Moreover , 10 % of the fasting triglyceride fatty acids were medium chain and 40 % were 16:0 with the MCT diet . This compared to 1 % and 20 % for medium chain and 16:0 , respectively , with the LCT diet . In addition , there were increases in 16:1 , 18:0 , and 18:1 in the triglycerides during MCT feeding . The changes in fatty acids in triglycerides with MCT feeding are consistent with the hypothesis that excess dietary MCT cause a significant increase in the hepatic synthesis of these fatty acids from MCFA through de novo synthesis and /or chain elongation and desaturation . These processes could account for the higher rate of postpr and ial thermogenesis with MCT as compared to LCT OBJECTIVE : Medium-chain triglyceride ( MCT ) consumption has been shown to increase energy expenditure ( EE ) and lead to greater losses of the adipose tissue in animals and humans . The objective of this research was to examine the relationship between body composition and thermogenic responsiveness to MCT treatment . DESIGN : R and omized , crossover , controlled feeding trial , with diets rich in either MCT or long-chain triglyceride ( LCT ) ( as olive oil ) for periods of 4 weeks each . SUBJECTS : A total of 19 healthy overweight men aged ( x±s.e.m . ) 44.5±2.5 y with a body mass index of 27.8±0.5 kg/m2 . MEASUREMENTS : EE and body composition were measured using indirect calorimetry and magnetic resonance imaging , respectively , at the baseline and end point of each feeding period . EE was measured for 30 min before consumption of a st and ard meal and for 5.5 h following the meal . RESULTS : Body weight ( BW ) decreased ( P<0.05 ) by 1.03±0.25 kg with MCT consumption compared to 0.62±0.29 kg with LCT consumption . The difference in average EE  between MCT and LCT consumptions was related to initial BW , such that men with lower initial BW had a greater rise in EE  with MCT consumption relative to LCT on day 28 ( r=−0.472 , P=0.04 ) but not day 2 ( r=−0.368 , P=0.12 ) . Similar results were obtained with fat oxidation on day 28 ( r=−0.553 , P=0.01 ) . The greater rise in fat oxidation  with MCT compared to LCT consumption on day 2 tended to be related to greater loss of BW  after MCT vs LCT consumption ( r=−0.4075 , P=0.08 ) . CONCLUSION : These data suggest that shunting of dietary fat towards oxidation results in diminished fat storage , as reflected by the loss of BW and subcutaneous adipose tissue . Furthermore , MCT consumption may stimulate EE and fat oxidation to a lower extent in men of greater BW compared to men of lower BW , indicative of the lower responsiveness to a rapidly oxidized fat by overweight men BACKGROUND Medium chain triglycerides ( MCT ) have been suggested as modulators of human energy expenditure ( EE ) and thus may influence total and regional body fat distribution . OBJECTIVE To investigate in overweight men the effects of structured medium and long chain triglycerides on EE , substrate oxidation and body adiposity , compared to extra virgin olive oil ( OO ) . METHODS In a 6 week single-blind crossover study , 23 overweight men were r and omly assigned to consume a st and ard high-fat diet of which 75 % total fat was provided as either structured medium and long chain triglycerides referred to as structured oil ( StO ) , or OO .  EE and body composition were measured using indirect calorimetry and magnetic resonance imaging , respectively , at weeks 1 and 6 of each phase . RESULTS Body weight decreased ( p<0.01 ) from baseline to end-point during consumption of both the StO ( -1.46+/-0.4k g ) and OO ( -1.17+/-0.4 kg ) ; however , no significant treatment differences were observed . There were no changes in body composition among treatment groups . No differences between diets for EE measurements were reported . Fat oxidation rates did not differ between oils , but were reduced ( p<0.05 ) in the StO group between baseline ( 0.0020+/-0.0003 g/kg fat free mass per min ) in comparison to after week 6 ( 0.0013+/-0.0001 g/kg fat free mass per min ) . No differences in carbohydrate oxidation rate were noted across diets or time . CONCLUSION The present structured medium and long chain triglyceride oil increases short-term fat oxidation but fails to modulate body weight or adiposity through a change in EE High-fat diets are associated with obesity , and the weak satiety response elicited in response to dietary lipids is likely to play a role . Preliminary evidence from studies of medium ( MCT ) and long chain triglycerides ( LCT ) supports greater appetite suppression on high-MCT diets , possibly a consequence of direct portal access , more rapid oxidation and muted lipaemia . No data is as yet available on high-SCT diets which also have direct hepatic access . In this study SCT- ( dairy fats ) , MCT- ( coconut oil ) and LCT-enriched ( beef tallow ) test breakfasts ( 3.3 MJ ) containing 52 g lipid ( 58 en% fat ) were investigated in a r and omized , cross-over study in 18 lean men . All participants were required to complete the 3 study days in r and omised order . Participants rated appetite sensations using visual analogue scales ( VAS ) , and energy intake ( EI ) was measured by covert weighing of an ad libitum lunch meal 3.5 h postpr and ially . Blood sample s were collected by venous cannulation . There were no detectable differences between breakfasts in perceived pleasantness , visual appearance , smell , taste , aftertaste and palatability ( P>0.05 ) . There was no significant effect of fatty acid chain length on ratings of hunger , fullness , satisfaction or current thoughts of food , nor did energy ( mean , sem : SCT : 4406 , 366 kJ ; MCT : 4422 , 306 kJ ; LCT : 4490 , 324 kJ ; P>0.05 ) or macronutrient intake at lunch differ between diets . The maximum difference in EI between diets was less than 2 % . Postpr and ial lipaemia also did not differ significantly . We conclude that there was no evidence that fatty acid chain length has an effect on measures of appetite and food intake when assessed following a single high-fat test meal in lean participants BACKGROUND Treatment of obesity with strict reducing diets is as a rule associated with the development of energetic efficiency manifested among others also by a decline of energy expenditure . The objective of the trial was to test whether addition of oils containing triacylglycerols with medium-chain fatty acid can prevent this decline and whether their administration can affect the lipid spectrum . METHODS AND RESULTS Sixty obese patients were served for a four-week period of hospitalization at the obesitology unit a low-energy diet REDITA  ( Promil Co. , N. Bydzov ) providing 1596 kJ , 37 g protein , 50 g carbohydrate and 3 g fat . Part of the treatment was regular aerobic exercise , behavioural therapy to teach correct dietary habits and physical activity ; physical activity was monitored by means of pedometers . From this group during the 3rd and 4th week 11 patients with similar characteristics were separated ( age , body weight , BMI and energy expenditure at rest ) as in the basic group . These patients were given daily 15 ml oil containing triacylglycerols with medium-chain fatty acids , MCT OIL ( Mead Johnson , Evansville ) , providing 545 kJ. The resting energy expenditure was assessed in all patients every morning on fasting , immediately after awakening , using indirect calorimetry and it was corrected with regard to the respiratory quotient and excretion of catabolic nitrogen . The body composition was assessed at the beginning and at the end of the trial by hydrostatic weighing . Administration of oil containing triacylglycerols with medium-chain fatty acids ( MCT OIL ) prevented the decline of the resting energy expenditure ( 130.0 + /- 9.2 kJ/kg lean body mass/day , as compared with 126.5 + /- 7.2 kJ/kg lean body mass/day in the basic group : the difference is statistically not significant ) . Although addition of oil increased the energy intake by 545 kJ/day , the drop of body weight and BMI was comparable with that in the group of obese patients who did not receive the oil ( 10.3 + /- 1.1 kg vs. 10.6 + /- 0.5 kg ) . While during administration of the oil the resting energy expenditure did not change ( 5.97 + /- 0.30 kJ/min . vs. 5.24 + /- 0.58 kJ/min . ) , in obese patients who were only on the strict reducing diet it declined from 5.45 + /- 0.18 kJ/min . to 4.44 + /- 0.22 kJ/min . ( p < 0.01 ) . The significant drop of total cholesterol achieved by dietotherapy alone ( 5.41 + /- 0.21 mmol/l vs. 6.26 0.20 mmol/l before treatment ) was not affected by administration of oil ( 4.86 + /- 0.28 mmol/l vs. 5.69 + /- 0.35 mmol/l before treatment ) . HDL-cholesterol , on the other h and , declined only in obese patients with dietotherapy ( 1.40 + /- 0.04 mmol/vs . 1.22 + /- 0.04 mmol/l after treatment , p < 0.01 ) . The triacylglycerol values declined significantly in both groups ( p < 0.01 ) . CONCLUSIONS It appears that administration of thermogenetically acting triacylglycerols with medium-chain fatty acids can prevent diet-induced energetic efficiency and can improve the long-term success of dietotherapy of obese patients OBJECTIVE To determine whether medium-chain triglycerides , in low-to-moderate amounts consumed with meals ( at breakfast , lunch and dinner ) , can increase daily energy expenditure ( EE ) and 24-h urinary excretion of catecholamines in  humans  . DESIGN Dose-response study conducted under double-blind r and omised design . SETTING Respiratory chamber at the Faculty of Medicine , University of Geneva . SUBJECTS Eight healthy young men were recruited from the student population by advertisement in our Faculty . METHODS 24-h EE and urinary catecholamines were measured in each subject during stay in a respiratory chamber on four separate occasions . These were r and omised between four different combinations of medium-chain triglycerides ( MCT ) and long-chain triglycerides ( LCT ) , a total 30g/day , which was consumed with their habitual diet in three equal parts ( 10 g each ) at breakfast , lunch , and dinner in the following ratio of MCT : LCT ( g/g ) 0:30 , 5:25 , 15:15 and 30:0 . RESULTS 24-h EE increased significantly with increasing MCT : LCT ratio ( ANOVA , P < 0.001 ) , with the diet providing a total of 15 - 30 g MCT per day stimulating 24-h EE by 5 % : this corresponds to a mean absolute increase in daily EE of approximately 500kJ , with individual values varying between 268 kJ and 756 kJ. No significant differences were observed in respiratory quotient nor in urinary nitrogen losses across diets , but 24-h urinary noradrenaline was significantly increased ( ANOVA , P < 0.025 ) , whereas adrenaline and dopamine were unaltered . CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that relatively low-to-moderate intake of MCT ( 15 - 30 g per day ) as part of habitual diet may play a role in the control of human body composition by enhancing daily EE , and that this effect is mediated at least in part through activation of the sympathetic nervous system Phytosterols ( PSs ) have been recently added to various mediums . Nevertheless , matrices with functional properties , such as medium-chain triglycerides ( MCTs ) , should be precisely examined for supplementary advantages . The objective of this study was to identify the existence of combined biological actions of a functional oil enriched in PSs within MCTs and high-oleic canola ( HOC ) , relative to a control ( olive oil ) , in overweight , hyperlipidemic men using a rigorously controlled dietary intervention . Twenty-three overweight , hyperlipidemic men consumed both types of oil in a r and omized , crossover trial for 6 weeks each . Fasted plasma sample s were collected on the first and last 2 days of each study period . Body weight decreased -1.22 + /- 0.35 kg ( P = .0019 ) and -1.68 + /- 0.47 kg ( P = .0016 ) after the 6-week study period in the olive oil and functional oil groups , respectively . The end points for total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) in the functional oil group ( P = .0006 ) were lower than in the olive oil group ( P = .0002 ) . Total cholesterol values decreased from comparable baseline to end point of 4.71 + /- 0.16 mmol/L ( P < .0001 ) in the functional oil phase and 5.14 + /- 0.19 mmol/L ( P = .0001 ) in the olive oil phase ( P = .0592 ) . In addition , LDL-C demonstrated a similar drop , to an end point of 3.12 + /- 0.16 mmol/L ( P < .0001 ) and 3.54 + /- 0.18 mmol/L ( P = .0002 ) , for the functional oil and olive oil groups , respectively , with significant changes ( P = .0221 ) . High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels did not change in either treatment . Triacylglycerol end points decreased in functional oil and olive oil groups ( P = .0195 and .0105 , respectively ) to the same extent from baseline . Results indicate that PSs mixed within an MCT- and HOC-rich matrix lower plasma LDL-C , without significantly changing the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations , in hyperlipidemic , overweight men , and may therefore decrease the risk of cardiovascular events Objective : To compare postpr and ial whole-body fat oxidation rates in humans , following  high-fat ( 43 % of total energy ) mixed breakfast meals , of fixed energy and macronutrient composition , rich in either monounsaturated fat ( MUFA ) from extra virgin olive oil or saturated fat ( SFA ) from cream . Design : Paired comparison of resting metabolic rate ( RMR ) , thermic effect of a meal and substrate oxidation rates following consumption of isocaloric breakfast meals , differing only in the type of fat , administered in r and om order 1–2 weeks apart . Subjects : Fourteen male volunteers , body mass index ( BMI ) in the range 20–32 kg/m2 , aged 24–49 y and resident in Melbourne , Australia , were recruited by advertisement in the local media or by personal contact . Measurements : Body size and composition was determined by anthropometry and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry ( DEXA ) . Indirect calorimetry was used to measure RMR , thermic effect of a meal , post-meal total energy expenditure and substrate oxidation rate . Blood pressure and pulse rates were measured with an automated oscillometric system . Fasting and 2 h postpr and ial glucose and insulin concentrations and the fasting lipid profile were also determined . Results : In the 5 h following the MUFA breakfast , there was a significantly greater postpr and ial fat oxidation rate ( 3.08±4.58 g/5 h , P=0.017 ) , and lower postpr and ial carbohydrate oxidation rate ( P=0.025 ) , than after the SFA breakfast . Thermic effect of a meal was significantly higher ( 55 kJ/5 h , P=0.034 ) after the MUFA breakfast , in subjects with a high waist circumference ( HWC≥99 cm ) than those with a low waist circumference ( LWC<99 cm ) . This difference was not detected following the SFA breakfast ( P=0.910 ) . Conclusion : If postpr and ial fat oxidation rates are higher after high MUFA , rather than SFA meals , then a simple change to the type of dietary fat consumed might have beneficial effects in curbing weight gain in men consuming a relatively high-fat diet . This may be particularly evident in men with a large waist circumference Two groups of Chinese hypertriacylglycerolemic subjects were recruited and r and omized to medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols ( MLCT ) oil or long-chain triacylglycerols ( LCT ) oil .  Two subgroups were divided by age at less or more 60 years in both groups . Both oils were consumed at 25–30 g daily for 8 weeks . Anthropometry , blood biochemicals , and computed tomography ( CT ) scanning were done at the initial and final times . In subjects of age less than 60 years on MLCT , the body weight , body mass index ( BMI ) , waist circumference ( WC ) , hip circumference ( HC ) , waist-hip ratio ( WHR ) , body fat , total fat area , and subcutaneous fat area were significantly lower than those of the initial values , and the change values in these indicators and visceral fat area lowered significantly as compared with those on LCT .  The levels of apoB , apoA2 , apoC2 , and apoC3 decreased significantly , and the change in values in the levels of triglyceride ( TG ) , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) , apoA1 , apoB , apoA2 , apoC2 , apoC3 were significantly lower on MLCT of age under 60 years as compared with those on LCT The effects of a liquid-formula diet supplement containing structured medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols ( SMLCT ) composed of medium- ( 10 % ) and long-chain ( 90 % ) fatty acids were compared with those of long-chain triacylglycerols ( LCT ) on bodyfat accumulation in 13 healthy male volunteers aged 18 - 20 years . The subjects were r and omly assigned the SMLCT or LCT group . The subjects in each group received a liquid-formula diet supplement of the SMLCT or LCT , which provided 1040 kJ plus daily energy intake for 12 weeks . Mean energy intake containing liquid diet throughout the 12-week period did not differ between the SMLCT and LCT groups . Bodyweight of subjects in both groups increased slightly from the baseline throughout the 12-week period , but the differences were not significant . Rates of variation of bodyfat percentage were significantly lower in the SMLCT group than in the LCT group throughout the 12-week period . Comparisons between the SMLCT and LCT groups at baseline and 12 weeks showed no significant differences in any of the biochemical blood parameters . These results suggest that replacing LCT with SMLCT over long periods of time could produce bodyfat loss in the absence of reduced energy intake The CONSORT statement is used worldwide to improve the reporting of r and omised controlled trials . Kenneth Schulz and colleagues describe the latest version , CONSORT 2010 , which up date s the reporting guideline based on new method ological evidence and accumulating experience . To encourage dissemination of the CONSORT 2010 Statement , this article is freely accessible on bmj.com and will also be published in the Lancet , Obstetrics and Gynecology , PLoS Medicine , Annals of Internal Medicine , Open Medicine , Journal of Clinical Epidemiology , BMC Medicine , and Trials
target: No differences were seen in blood lipid levels .
  Replacement of LCTs with MCTs in the diet could potentially induce modest reductions in body weight and composition without adversely affecting lipid profiles .
background: BACKGROUND Medium-chain triglycerides ( MCTs ) may result in negative energy balance and weight loss through increased energy expenditure and lipid oxidation .
  However , results from human intervention studies investigating the weight reducing potential of MCTs , have been mixed .
  OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials comparing the effects of MCTs , specifically C8:0 and C10:0 , to long-chain triglycerides ( LCTs )  on weight loss and body composition in adults .