Cereal Chem 72:365-367  |  VIEW ARTICLE

Levels of Medium-Chain Triglycerides and Their Energy Value.

G. S. Ranhotra, J. A. Gelroth, and B. K. Glaser. Copyright 1995 by the American Association of Cereal Chemists, Inc. 

This study examined the effect of the level of dietary intake of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) on their energy value. The MCT oil tested for the purpose replaced baker's shortening in a traditional muffin formula and provided, through muffins added to the diet of the rats, 20 or 30% of total energy. Changes in body composition of the rats due to MCTs fed over a three-week period formed the basis of calculating energy value. Rats fed MCTs deposited significantly (P less than 0.05) less fat in their carcasses than did rats fed shortening. Calculations showed the MCT oil tested to contained 7.0 cal/g at both levels (20 and 30%) of energy intake. In an earlier study, this MCT showed an energy value of 6.8 cal/g when fed at a 40% energy level. Thus, the level of feeding MCTs, unless quite excessive, may have a limited effect on the energy level of MCTs, which appears to be about one-fourth lower than that of conventional fats.