Medium‐Chain Triglycerides Increase Energy Expenditure and Decrease Adiposity in Overweight Men

Abstract

ST-ONGE, MARIE-PIERRE, ROBERT ROSS, WILLIAM D. PARSONS, AND PETER J.H. JONES. Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men. Obes Res. 2003;11:395-402. 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 randomized 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 Ͻ 0.05) with functional oil (FctO) compared with olive oil (OL) consumption (Ϫ0.67 Ϯ 0.26 kg and Ϫ0.02 Ϯ 0.19 kg, respectively). There was a trend toward greater loss of whole-body subcutaneous AT volume (p ϭ 0.087) with FctO compared with OL consumption. Average energy expenditure was 0.04 Ϯ 0.02 kcal/min greater (p Ͻ 0.05) on day 2 and 0.03 Ϯ 0.02 kcal/min (not significant) on day 28 with FctO compared with OL consumption. Similarly, average fat oxidation was greater (p ϭ 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.

Effects of a medium chain triglyceride oil mixture and α-lipoic acid diet on body composition, antioxidant status, and plasma lipid levels in the Golden Syrian hamster

“…Similar results were obtained when 24 healthy overweight men were fed MCTo for 28 days [38]. In concert with the favorable changes in the lipid profile, these participants exhibited a decrease in upper adipose tissue measured through magnetic resonance imaging [39].…”

Greater fat oxidation with diacylglycerol oil consumption for 14 days compared with triacylglycerol oil consumption in overweight men and women

“…Similarly, medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) enhances fat metabolism due to its distinct metabolic pathway. 27 Previous studies in humans show increased postprandial EE and fat oxidation after both acute 7 and repeated 28,29 MCT feeding, supporting the reduced weight gain observed with chronic 30 MCT consumption. St Onge et al reported that MCT increased fat oxidation and EE in a 4-week crossover feeding studies including both women 28 and men.…”

“…St Onge et al reported that MCT increased fat oxidation and EE in a 4-week crossover feeding studies including both women 28 and men. 29 MCT intake increased daily EE, extrapolated from 6.5 h of indirect calorimetry data, which equated to 50 kcal day À1 in women and 43 kcal day À1 in men by the end point of the study.…”

Effects of CH-19 Sweet, a Non-Pungent Cultivar of Red Pepper, in Decreasing the Body Weight and Suppressing Body Fat Accumulation by Sympathetic Nerve Activation in Humans

“…Nagao et al have reported that the ingestion of tea rich in catechins for four weeks reduced body fat by 0.5 kg, 37) and St-Onge et al have reported that the ingestion of medium-chain triacylglycerols for four weeks reduced body fat by 0.8 kg. 38) Since the ingestion of CH-19 Sweet for two weeks reduced body fat by 0.6 kg, CH-19 Sweet is suggested to be as effective for reducing body fat as such compounds as catechins and medium-chain triacylglycerols.…”