Coconut oil has less satiating properties than medium chain triglyceride oil

Abstract

It is well established that the consumption of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) can increase satiety and reduce food intake. Many media articles promote the use of coconut oil for weight loss advocating similar health benefits to that of MCT. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of MCT oil compared to coconut oil and control oil on food intake and satiety. Following an overnight fast, participants consumed a test breakfast smoothie containing 205kcal of either (i) MCT oil (ii) coconut oil or (iii) vegetable oil (control) on three separate test days. Participants recorded appetite ratings on visual analogue scales and were presented with an ad libitum lunch meal of preselected sandwiches 180min after consumption of the breakfast. The results showed a significant difference in energy and macronutrient intakes at the ad libitum meal between the three oils with the MCT oil reducing food intake compared to the coconut and control oil. Differences in food intake throughout the day were found for energy and fat, with the control having increased food intake compared to the MCT and coconut. The MCT also increased fullness over the three hours after breakfast compared to the control and coconut oils. The coconut oil was also reported as being less palatable than the MCT oil. The results of this study confirm the differences that exist between MCT and coconut oil such that coconut oil cannot be promoted as having similar effects to MCT oil on food intake and satiety.

A comparison of the satiating properties of medium-chain triglycerides and conjugated linoleic acid in participants with healthy weight and overweight or obesity

“…Conversely, CLA does not alter energy intake in comparison to a LCT control. The literature surrounding MCT and satiety is equivocal, with studies reporting decreased energy intake after MCT [8][9][10]48] and others reporting no effect [49,50].…”

Virgin Coconut Oil Associated with High-Fat Diet Induces Metabolic Dysfunctions, Adipose Inflammation, and Hepatic Lipid Accumulation

“…VCO is supplemented with different diets and different animal models. 2,[31][32][33] In this study, VCO supplementation was not associated with higher satiety, since dietary intake was higher in the HFD+VCO group. Furthermore, the animals in the HFD+VCO group also showed an increase in weight gain.…”

Effect of medium-chain TAG and exercise on satiety, energy intake and energy balance

“…Foods with enhanced satiety have been outlined as having benefits to weight management (31) . MCT have previously been shown to increase satiety and decrease energy intake when compared with 'traditional' LCT (2)(3)(4)32) , though these are not unequivocal findings (33,34) . The apparent increase in satiety is possibly due to their fast absorption, as MCT are transported directly to the liver via the portal vein; avoiding chylomicron transport in the lymphatic system (35) .…”