ats varying in fatty acid chain lengths are metabolized differently
(1–8). Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT),3 containing
6–12 carbon fatty acids, differ from long-chain triglycerides
(LCT), which have fatty acids of 12 carbons, in that they are
absorbed directly into the portal circulation and transported to the liver for rapid oxidation (1). LCT, however, are transported
via chylomicrons into the lymphatic system, allowing for extensive
uptake into adipose tissue. Therefore, it has been hypothesized
that the rapid metabolism of MCT may increase energy
expenditure (EE), decrease their deposition into adipose tissue
and result in faster satiety. The objective of the present article is
to review literature concerning the effects of MCT on EE, fat
deposition and food intake as a means to establish the potential
efficacy of MCT in the prevention of obesity in humans.