What Is MCT Oil Made Of? Complete Guide to Ingredients and Production

MCT oil has become increasingly popular among health enthusiasts, keto dieters, and those seeking natural energy boosters. But what exactly is MCT oil made of, and how does it differ from its source ingredients?

This comprehensive guide explores the composition, production process, and unique characteristics of MCT oil to help you understand what you’re consuming and whether it’s right for your health goals.

What Is MCT Oil Made Of?

MCT oil is made from medium-chain triglycerides, which are a specific type of saturated fat. The oil is primarily derived from two natural sources:

• Coconut oil – The most common and popular source
• Palm kernel oil – An alternative tropical source

Through a refining process called fractionation, manufacturers extract and concentrate the medium-chain fatty acids from these oils, removing other compounds to create pure MCT oil that contains 100% medium-chain triglycerides.

Understanding Medium-Chain Triglycerides

To understand what MCT oil is made of, it’s essential to know what medium-chain triglycerides actually are.

A triglyceride consists of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule. These fatty acids are chains of carbon atoms linked together, and their length determines how your body digests and uses them.

Medium-chain triglycerides contain fatty acid chains with 6-12 carbon atoms, which is shorter than the long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in most dietary fats. This structural difference is what makes MCTs unique and gives them their distinctive health properties.

The Four Types of MCTs in MCT Oil

MCT oil is composed of four different types of medium-chain fatty acids, each with a specific carbon chain length:

1. Caproic Acid (C6)

Contains 6 carbon atoms. This is the shortest MCT and is rapidly converted to ketones, though it’s found in small amounts in most MCT oils due to its strong taste and potential digestive discomfort.

2. Caprylic Acid (C8)

Contains 8 carbon atoms. This is the most ketogenic MCT and is highly valued for its rapid conversion to energy. Quality MCT oils typically contain 50-80% caprylic acid.

3. Capric Acid (C10)

Contains 10 carbon atoms. This MCT is also efficiently converted to ketones and energy, though slightly slower than C8. MCT oils generally contain 20-50% capric acid.

4. Lauric Acid (C12)

Contains 12 carbon atoms. While technically an MCT, lauric acid behaves more like a long-chain triglyceride in terms of digestion and absorption. Most pure MCT oils contain little to no lauric acid, though it’s abundant in coconut oil.

How MCT Oil Is Made: The Production Process

Understanding what MCT oil is made of isn’t complete without knowing how it’s produced. The manufacturing process involves several key steps:

Step 1: Raw Material Extraction

The process begins with coconut oil or palm kernel oil. For coconut oil, the oil is extracted from the dried kernel (copra) or fresh coconut meat of mature coconuts.

Step 2: Fractionation

This is the crucial step that concentrates the MCTs. Through a process called fractionation, the oil undergoes controlled heating and cooling, or steam distillation, to separate the different types of fatty acids based on their melting points.

Step 3: Purification

The extracted MCTs are then purified to remove any remaining long-chain triglycerides, unsaturated fats, and other compounds. This results in a clear, odorless oil that contains 100% medium-chain triglycerides.

Step 4: Quality Control

The final product undergoes testing to ensure purity, potency, and the correct ratio of C8 and C10 fatty acids.

MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil: Composition Differences

While MCT oil is often made from coconut oil, the two products have significantly different compositions:

MCT Oil Composition

• 100% medium-chain triglycerides
• Primarily C8 (50-80%) and C10 (20-50%)
• Little to no lauric acid
• No long-chain triglycerides
• Clear and liquid at room temperature

Coconut Oil Composition

• Approximately 54% MCTs
• 42% lauric acid (C12)
• 7% caprylic acid (C8)
• 5% capric acid (C10)
• Contains long-chain triglycerides and unsaturated fats
• Solid at room temperature below 76°F

Why the Composition Matters: Health Benefits

The specific composition of MCT oil is what makes it valuable for various health applications:

Rapid Energy Production

Because MCT oil is made of shorter-chain fatty acids, it doesn’t require the same digestive enzymes or bile acids needed to break down longer-chain fats. The MCTs go directly to your liver, where they’re quickly metabolized for immediate energy.

Ketone Production

The C8 and C10 fatty acids in MCT oil are highly ketogenic, meaning they efficiently convert to ketones in the liver. These ketones can serve as an alternative fuel source for your brain and body, which is particularly beneficial for those following ketogenic diets.

Weight Management Support

The medium-chain fatty acids in MCT oil have been shown to boost metabolism and promote feelings of fullness more effectively than long-chain triglycerides, potentially supporting weight management goals.

Easy Absorption

The molecular structure of the fatty acids that MCT oil is made of allows for rapid absorption without the need for extensive digestive processing, making it suitable for individuals with digestive concerns.

Quality Factors: What to Look for in MCT Oil

When shopping for MCT oil, understanding what it’s made of helps you choose a quality product:

Source Material

Look for MCT oil made from coconut oil rather than palm kernel oil. Coconut-derived MCT oil is generally considered more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

C8 and C10 Ratio

The best MCT oils contain primarily C8 (caprylic acid) and C10 (capric acid). Some premium products contain only C8 for maximum ketogenic benefits.

Purity

Choose products that are 100% MCT oil with no additives, fillers, or other oils mixed in.

Production Method

Opt for MCT oil made through natural fractionation processes without harsh chemicals or solvents.

Certification

Look for products that are non-GMO, organic (when possible), and third-party tested for quality and purity.

Common Uses and Applications

Understanding what MCT oil is made of helps explain why it’s used in various ways:

Dietary Supplement

MCT oil can be consumed directly or added to beverages like coffee, tea, or smoothies for an energy boost and to support ketosis.

Cooking and Baking

While MCT oil has a lower smoke point than coconut oil (around 302°F or 150°C), it can be used in low-heat cooking, salad dressings, and no-bake recipes.

Sports Nutrition

Athletes use MCT oil for quick energy that doesn’t require extensive digestion, making it ideal for pre-workout or endurance activities.

Ketogenic Diet Support

Those following keto diets use MCT oil to increase fat intake, maintain ketosis, and reduce symptoms of the “keto flu.”

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While MCT oil is generally well-tolerated, its concentrated composition means you should start with small amounts:

• Begin with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) per day
• Gradually increase to 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) as tolerated
• Maximum recommended dose is 4-7 tablespoons (60-100 ml) per day
• Excessive intake may cause digestive discomfort, including cramping, bloating, or diarrhea
• Always take with food when starting to minimize digestive issues

If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare provider before adding MCT oil to your routine.

MCT Oil vs. Other Oils: A Comparison

Knowing what MCT oil is made of helps you understand how it compares to other common oils:

MCT Oil vs. Olive Oil

Olive oil consists primarily of long-chain monounsaturated fats (oleic acid), while MCT oil is pure saturated medium-chain fatty acids. They serve different nutritional purposes and have different cooking properties.

MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil

MCT oil is a concentrated extract from coconut oil, containing only the medium-chain triglycerides. Coconut oil is a whole food oil with a broader fatty acid profile.

MCT Oil vs. Butter or Ghee

While butter and ghee contain small amounts of MCTs, they’re primarily composed of long-chain saturated fats. MCT oil provides a much more concentrated source of medium-chain triglycerides.

Storage and Shelf Life

The saturated fat composition that MCT oil is made of gives it excellent stability:

• Remains liquid at room temperature
• Doesn’t require refrigeration
• Has a shelf life of 1-2 years when properly stored
• Should be kept in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
• Resistant to oxidation and rancidity compared to unsaturated oils

Is MCT Oil Right for You?

Now that you understand what MCT oil is made of, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s appropriate for your needs:

MCT oil may be beneficial if you:

• Follow a ketogenic or low-carb diet
• Need quick, easily digestible energy
• Want to support cognitive function
• Are looking for weight management support
• Have digestive issues that make fat absorption difficult
• Want to boost your metabolism

You might prefer coconut oil if you:

• Need an oil for high-heat cooking
• Want a whole-food source of MCTs
• Prefer a product with antibacterial properties (lauric acid)
• Are looking for skin care applications
• Want a more budget-friendly option

The Bottom Line

MCT oil is made of 100% medium-chain triglycerides, primarily caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10), extracted from coconut oil or palm kernel oil through a fractionation process. This concentrated composition gives MCT oil unique properties that distinguish it from its source material and other dietary fats.

The specific fatty acids that make up MCT oil allow for rapid digestion, quick energy production, and efficient ketone formation, making it particularly valuable for those following ketogenic diets or seeking metabolic support.

Whether you choose MCT oil or stick with whole coconut oil depends on your specific health goals, dietary needs, and intended uses. Both offer valuable health benefits, but their different compositions make them suitable for different purposes.

By understanding what MCT oil is made of, you can make informed decisions about incorporating this powerful supplement into your wellness routine and choose the highest quality products that align with your health objectives.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Medium Chain Triglycerides
• PubMed Central – MCT Metabolism and Energy
• USDA FoodData Central – Nutritional Database
• PubMed Central – Ketogenic Properties of MCTs
• National Institutes of Health – MCT Digestion and Absorption