If you’re looking to boost ketone production, enhance your figure, and improve your mental performance, then you’ll want to supplement your diet with MCTs.
The problem? Many products on the market contain low-quality MCTs and harmful compounds that can wreak havoc on your health and well-being.
Fortunately, there are six excellent MCT supplements available. And in this unbiased, evidence-based article, you’ll discover which these are, so you can supercharge your results. Let’s dive in!
What Are MCTs?
Medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs for short, are a class of saturated fatty acids found primarily in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy fat. Consuming them provides many benefits, including:
- Increased ketone levels
Double-blind, randomized control trials found that MCT preparations raised ketone levels, which helped to deepen the state of ketosis (1, 2).
- Enhanced brain functioning
Increased ketone levels improved performances on memory and cognition tests in memory-impaired adults (3).
- Improved weight loss
A crossover, randomized controlled trial found more significant weight loss and fat burning in overweight men when they followed an MCT-rich diet compared to a diet rich in LCT (long-chain triglycerides) (4).
- Increased feelings of fullness
One reason MCTs aid weight loss is that they raise levels of leptin and peptide YY, two hormones that reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness (5).
- Raised metabolism
Another reason MCTs aid weight loss is that they increase the metabolic rate. These effects, however, seem to diminish with habitual use (6).
- Enhanced exercise performance
MCTs may boost exercise performance by reducing the build-up of lactate (7).
- Improved cardiovascular health
Research shows that MCT oil can raise levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol, reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), and benefit other cardiovascular health markers (8, 9, 10, 11).
- Epilepsy management
A test-tube study found that MCT capric acid (C10) controlled seizures more effectively than a popular anti-epileptic drug (12, 13, 14).
- Reduced yeast and bacterial growth
Extensive research shows that MCTs – especially the MCT lauric acid (C12) – have powerful antimicrobial and antifungal benefits (15).
- Lowered blood sugar levels
Scientists have found that MCTs increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, making them especially beneficial for those with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (16, 17).
- And more…
The Different Types of MCTs
As we’ve seen, MCTs are linked to many life-enhancing benefits. However, it’s crucial to note that not all MCTs are created equal. The reason is that there are four MCTs, and all have different effects on your body. Let’s look at each of them:
- C6 (caproic acid)
This form is converted into ketones most quickly. However, it has a goaty smell and taste, In fact, the name “caproic acid” stems from “capra” which means “goat” in Latin – and it can be tough on your stomach. That’s why we don’t recommend C6.
- C8 (caprylic acid)
This form converts to ketones within minutes. That’s why it’s effective at raising ketone levels, suppressing appetite, and boosting brain functioning. It’s also odorless and more comfortable on your stomach than C6.
- C10 (capric acid)
This form is like C8 except that it has two additional bonds. As a result, C10 is less efficiently converted into ketones and takes effect more slowly. This means a delay in raising ketone levels, suppressing appetite, and supporting brain functioning. We recommend C8 over C10, although C10 is an excellent second.
- C12 (lauric acid)
This form has strong anti-microbial properties, meaning it can help kill harmful viruses and bacteria. However, lauric acid doesn’t get converted effectively into ketones (if at all). And it doesn’t curb hunger or sharpen your cognition efficiently.
The bottom line: if you want to supplement with MCTs to boost ketone levels, curb hunger, and enhance brain functioning, it’s best to choose a product rich in C8s. C10s are also effective, but since they digest more slowly, they’re slightly inferior.
MCT Oil VS Powder – Which is Better?
MCT supplements come in two forms: oil and powder. The form that suits you best depends on your situation, needs, and preferences. Here are the pros and cons of choosing MCT oil.
MCT oil pros:
- Best researched
- Suitable for low-heat cooking
- Minimally processed
MCT oil cons:
- More taxing on your digestive system (this can be problematic for those with digestive issues)
- Harder to travel with, since it takes up more space
- Harder to add to recipes
- Causes an oily texture when added to drinks.
The powder form of MCT is made using a process called spray drying. This form has its own benefits and drawbacks.
MCT powder pros:
- Easier to digest
- More convenient to add to baked foods and drinks
- Can be combined with other beneficial nutrients such as acacia
MCT powder cons:
- Often contains low-quality additives and fillers
- Requires a carrier fiber to be turned into a powder. (The problem is that many manufacturers use a low-quality fiber.)
- Limited research available
As you can see, each form of MCT has its pros and cons, and neither one is inherently better. Your choice will depend on your personal needs, situation and preference.
The 3 BEST MCT Oils on the Market Today
If you’re looking for an MCT oil supplement, the following three products are by far your best options:
#1. Perfect Keto C8 MCT
The company Perfect Keto is well-known in the ketogenic world for producing top-notch products. Their MCT oil certainly lives up to their high standards. It’s a 100% pure derivative of coconut oil, and all the MCTs come from C8 – the most rapidly absorbed form of MCT.
Each supply has 63 full servings – that’s just $.67 per dose! – and the product is flavorless, making it easy to add to your favorite foods and beverages such as coffee or your pre-workout shake.
Pros:
- 100% pure MCT oil
- Distilled from 100% pure coconut oil
- Contains only C8, the most efficient MCT form
- The company is well-known and respected
- There are no additives or fillers
Cons:
- The product comes in only one size
#2. Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil
Dave Asprey, the founder of Bulletproof and author of the New York Times best-seller, The Bulletproof Diet, developed a high-quality MCT oil which is distilled from 100% pure coconut oil.
What’s unique about Brain Octane is that it has undergone a triple distillation process with only water, heat, and pressure. This means you’ll get the cleanest possible product, without solvents or other harsh chemicals.
If you like a cup of java, we highly recommend you read his step-by-step instructions on how to create Bulletproof Coffee here [affiliate link]. It may well be the most satisfying, energizing cup of coffee you’ve ever had.
Pros:
- Distilled from 100% pure coconut oil
- High-quality source of C8
- Pure and clean
- From the creator of Bulletproof
Cons:
- Some customers complain about the packaging
- The product comes in only one size
#3. Sports Research
If you’re on a budget but still want to take high-quality MCTs, then this product by Sports Research is your best option, as it’s the cheapest oil on this list.
This 100% coconut-derived MCT oil contains a full spectrum of MCTs including lauric acid, which has powerful anti-bacterial properties. It comes in a BPA free bottle, so no estrogenic compounds leak into your oil. It has no GMOs, and is certified by a third party to be keto-friendly.
Pros:
- Distilled from 100% pure coconut oil
- Budget-friendly
- Non-GMO project verified
- Third-party certified keto-friendly
- The bottle is BPA free
Cons:
- Not pure C8 because it also contains other Cs
- Can cause digestive discomfort
The 3 BEST MCT Powders on the Market Today
The benefits of an MCT powder over an oil-based product is that it’s easier to digest, more convenient to add to baked foods and drinks, and it can be combined with other beneficial nutrients such as acacia. If you’re looking for an excellent MCT powder, then here are your three best options:
#1. Perfect Keto
Like Perfect Keto’s MCT oil, its powdered product is of the highest standard, for the following reasons: First, unlike many other products, it has zero carbs and sugar. It has just pure and natural MCTs from carefully selected coconuts.
Secondly, it contains acacia fiber, a probiotic that supports gut and cellular health. Unlike many sugar-like fillers found in other MCT powders, acacia fiber does not spike your blood sugar, so it won’t hamper your state of ketosis.
Thirdly, the product tastes fantastic, especially the vanilla flavor. It makes you look forward to your next serving of MCTs. One tasty way to enjoy it is to add it to your morning coffee. You should try it!
Pros:
`Excellent quality MCTs
- Contains acacia fiber
- Zero net carbs
- Amazing taste
- Available in four flavors
Cons:
- Relatively pricey
#2. Zhou Nutrition
This product by Zhou Nutrition offers a great balance between price and quality. While the MCTs don’t live up to those of the Perfect Keto product, it’s still a decent supplement and gives you a good bang for your buck.
It mixes perfectly into food and beverages, giving your coffee or smoothie a smooth and creamy texture. It also comes with a 100% guarantee of satisfaction, so if you’re not pleased with your purchase, you can ask for a full and immediate refund.
Pros:
- Excellent balance between price and quality
- Zero net carbs
- Uses acacia fiber for gut health
- Comes with a guarantee of 100% satisfaction
Cons:
- Not the best tasting
- MCTs are of sub-optimal quality
#3. Nutricost MCT Oil Powder
If you’re looking for a decent but low-budget product, then this one by Nutricost is your best bet. While the MCTs aren’t of superior quality– the C6 content can be a disadvantage to those with digestive issues – this product offers an excellent balance between price and quality. It’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and produced in the United States at a GMP registered facility. This means you can be confident of its integrity and purity.
A downside is that the product isn’t strictly keto. It contains soluble corn, soluble corn fiber, sodium caseinate (a milk derivative), sunflower lecithin, and silicon dioxide (to keep it free-flowing).
Pros:
- Most budget-friendly
- Zero net carbs
- Non-GMO
- Produced at a GMP registered facility
Cons:
- Not strictly keto
- Contains soluble corn, soluble corn fiber, sodium caseinate, sunflower lecithin, and silicon dioxide
- Contains C6 (which can lead to digestive issues)
The Bottom Line on MCT Supplements
The research is crystal clear! If you want to boost ketone production, enhance your figure, and upgrade your mental performance, then you will want to supplement with MCTs.
Unfortunately, many manufacturers diminish the scientifically-proven benefits of high-grade MCTs by selling terrible-quality products to make a quick buck. That’s why it’s crucial to do your research before you order MCTs.
The good news? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and thoroughly evaluated every MCT product on the market. As the result of our countless hours of research, you now have an unbiased list of the six best products on the market today.
Here’s What to Do Next…
As you’ve discovered in this article, MCT supplements can be broadly categorized into oils and powders.
If you’re looking for the best researched MCT form that’s minimally processed and suitable for low-heat cooking, then you’ll want to invest in an MCT oil.
The following MCT oil is, hands down, the best on the market today. It’s a 100% pure MCT oil, distilled from high-quality coconuts. It contains only C8 (the most efficient MCT form) and is free from additives and fillers.
=> Click here now to get the MCT oil by Perfect Keto
If you’re looking for an easier-to-digest MCT supplement that’s convenient to add to baked foods and drinks, then you’ll want to invest in an MCT powder.
The following is by far the best MCT powder on the market today. It contains excellent quality MCTs, with added acacia fiber. And it’s available in four delicious flavors.
=> Click here now to get the MCT powder by Perfect Keto
So, are you ready to boost your health, energy levels, and well-being? If so, click on one of the links above for the product that best suits your needs, situation, and preference. You’ll be glad you did!
