Chemistry of fatty acids and
triglycerides
Medium chain triglycerides
Medium chain triglycerides
(MCTs) are a class of lipids in which
three saturated fats are bound to a
glycerol backbone. What distinguishes
MCTs from other triglycerides is the
fact that each fat molecule is between
six and twelve carbons in length (9).
MCTs are a component of many foods,
with coconut and palm oils being the
dietary sources with the highest
concentration of MCTs. MCTs are also
available as a dietary supplement (10).