Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) have been gaining massive popularity over the past few years. MCTs aid in weight management and also have become a popular diet supplement for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
The global MCT market has become a billion-dollar industry and is expected to grow at an exponential rate. According to a report by Extrapolate, the global Medium Chain Triglycerides Market is expected to garner $2.50 billion in revenue by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.41% over 2023-2030. This blog will take a look at the key components of MCTs, how agencies across different regions regulate MCTs, and the major applications and benefits of MCTs.
What is MCT?
Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fats made in the lab and procured from milk fat, coconut, and palm kernel oils. They are versatile, single, or a blend of saturated medium chain fatty acids. MCTs are synthetically manufactured through esterification and interesterification reactions. These have a different metabolization process than long-chain triglycerides (LCT), which are found in other foods.
What are the Components of MCT?
MCTs are triglycerides that comprise the glycerol backbone and consist of three fatty acids with an aliphatic tail of 6–12 carbon atoms. There are four different types of MCTs. Each type is categorized based on the number of molecules in its carbon chain.
Following are the components of medium chain triglycerides foods:
- C6: Caproic acid, also known as hexanoic acid, has six carbon molecules. It can be extracted from pure MCT oil. C6 metabolizes quickly and helps in short bursts of energy.
- C8: Caprylic acid, commonly known as octanoic acid, has eight carbon molecules. Caprylic acid triglycerides have antimicrobial properties and offer quick energy bursts.
- C10: Capric acid or decanoic acid has ten carbon molecules. C10 converts ketones faster into the liver, resulting in quick endurance and increased mental performance.
- C12: Lauric acid or dodecanoic acid has twelve carbon molecules. C12 is the slowest to digest and has antimicrobial properties and various health benefits.
Regulatory Status of Medium Chain Triglycerides Around the Globe
Regulatory laws surrounding MCTs vary depending on the country and the governing agencies. Here is an overview of the regulatory status of MCTs around the world:
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United States
The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has granted a ‘Generally Recognized As Safe’ (GRAS) status for the usage of MCT in food products.
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Europe
MCTs are regulated under the EU's Novel Food Regulation. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates the safety of novel foods, including MCTs, before they are authorized for sale.
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Australia & New Zealand
MCTs are regulated as food ingredients or dietary supplements by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
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Canada:
MCTs are regulated as natural health products or food ingredients by Health Canada.
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Japan:
MCTs are regulated as food ingredients or supplements by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).
Applications of MCTs in Food, Pharmaceutical, and Daily-Use Chemical Industries
Medium chain triglycerides find extensive applications in the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors as they help in efficient digestion and have a low energy fat content. Medium chain fatty acids foods have distinctive physicochemical properties and metabolic pathways. Their ability to control fat absorption, aid weight management, and minimize blood serum cholesterol makes them highly valuable for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and daily-use chemical industries. Let's have a look at the use of MCTs across the industries:
1. Food Industry:
Medium and long chain triglycerides can help in the manufacturing of structured lipids that are effective in reducing fat in the body. Medium chain triglyceride foods have immense health benefits like enhanced metabolism, which aids effective weight management. This has made MCTs one of the most widely used products to manage obesity and overcome metabolic issues in the food industry.
Consumers are exploring opportunities to incorporate healthier food into their diet, leading to the increased demand for medium chain fatty acids foods. Surging health consciousness among consumers is one of the key factors boosting MCT consumption.
Medium chain triglycerides are gaining popularity in the dietary supplement market. MCTs serve as an immediate source of energy for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. They can be seamlessly infused into coffee and protein bars.
Notably, manufacturers are producing MCT oil and are offering it as a dietary supplement. MCT oil can be used as a food additive for health foods and beverages. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, and can be consumed without any additives. It can also be added to various products without changing the flavor of the original product.
2. Daily-Use Chemical Industries:
Companies in the beauty industry are exploring opportunities to incorporate medium chain triglyceride oil in their skincare and other beauty products. Medium chain triglycerides are typically used in skin care products such as soaps and cosmetics. They work effectively as antioxidants and help to make the skin smooth. MCTs can also be used in moisturizers, anti-aging serums, sunscreens, lipstick, eyeliner, lip balm, and other beauty products.
3. Pharmaceutical Industry:
The rising demand for natural and healthy products is playing a key role in the growth of the MCT market globally. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are exploring the use of medium chain triglycerides in various drugs that help to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. MCTs find applications in antiviral, antifungal, or antibacterial pharmaceutical medicines. The pharmaceutical sector is also exploring opportunities to incorporate MCT in other drug trials to improve patient health. Due to its potential to enhance mitochondrial function, the combination of ketogenic diet (KD) with medium chain triglycerides is being explored as a therapeutic care for patients with Parkinson's Disease. Recently, in a randomized feasibility trial of an MCT-supplemented ketogenic diet in patients with Parkinson’s disease, investigators found that an MCT-KD was feasible and tolerable for such patients. The researchers need to further investigate its impact on the symptoms and disease progress.
Benefits and Toxicity of Medium Chain Triglycerides
Despite gaining more popularity among consumers because of its immense health benefits, MCTs can be detrimental to a certain extent. Let's have a look at the benefits and toxicity of MCTs that everyone should be aware of:
Benefits:
MCTs are used in multiple food and pharmaceutical formulations as they offer immense health benefits. They are an effective supplement to treat food absorption disorders like diarrhea, steatorrhea, and liver disease. Consumers use MCTs if they are suffering from involuntary weight loss syndromes like cachexia or wasting syndrome. Foods high in MCT can have chemical properties, metabolic characteristics, and physiological benefits, which has resulted in the high demand for MCT-containing food items.
Toxicity:-
Medium chain triglyceride foods are likely to be safe for consumption, If taken at a higher dose, they can cause stomach-related issues such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Notably, medium chain triglyceride oil is not recommended for consumers with a heart condition or fatty liver disease because MCTs, being fats, are high in calories. A single tablespoon of MCT oil can have about 120 calories. Thus, even though foods with MCTs seem to help with some health conditions, not taking it in the recommended manner and situation could have adverse effects, which is a key factor hampering consumer perception.
Top 3 Companies for Medium Chain Triglycerides in 2024
The following are the three major players in the MCT market:
1. BASF Corporation
BASF Corporation manufactures MCT-based lipids for oral and topical formulations, marketed as Kollisolv® MCT 70. This clear, yellowish, odorless oil finds usage in pharmaceutical skin care preparations and well-fattening emulsions and skin oils. It is easy to blend and has a high solubilization capacity for lipophilic drugs.
2. KLK OLEO
KLK Oleo manufactures PALMESTER MCT Oil, which can be used as additives in different food & beverage applications. It can be consumed directly as a dietary supplement. It serves as a healthy fat source whenever required if incorporated into daily food and beverages.
3. WILFARESTER MCT
WILFAESTER MCT produces a triglyceride that is derived from glycerol and 3 medium chain fatty acids. The characteristics of the natural ingredient used in it make it suitable for usage in multiple applications. This MCT has a lower caloric value and becomes a quick available source of energy. Moreover, because of its fast Spreading and light skin feel; it is a suitable personal care ingredient.
Conclusion
Medium chain triglycerides are lipids that have multiple health benefits. As the availability of MCTs is limited in natural resources, the demand for them is constantly increasing. The pharmaceutical industry is exploring opportunities to inculcate MCT oil in drug formations for various diseases like Parkinson's and other cardiovascular illnesses. The food and beverage industry is exploring opportunities to innovate their MCT delivery formats like emulsions, powders, and ready-to-drink beverages, to make them more convenient and appealing to consumers.
The MCT sector is dynamic and constantly evolving, with potential opportunities for innovation and growth. However, companies need to stay informed about consumer preferences, regulatory developments, and market dynamics to remain competitive in the industry.
