Work

Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols in metabolic regulation

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs; C8:0-C12:0) are absorbed and utilized differently compared with long-chain fats. They directly enter the portal vein as free medium-chain fatty acids, most of which are converted to ketone bodies in the liver, with a significant proportion entering the circulation. Accumulating evidence links MCT intake to improved glucose homeostasis; increased energy expenditure and satiety with concomitant modest weight loss; and chain length-dependent modulation of circulating lipoprotein profiles and liver metabolism. Emerging data also suggest direct benefits for cardiac contractility, hinting at a broader cardiometabolic advantage. Here, we synthesize the current evidence, outlining how MCTs influence cardiometabolic health. We further discuss mechanistic insights, from cellular substrate partitioning and mitochondrial dynamics to gut-liver signaling to propose mechanisms of MCT action.

Source: Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism

DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2025.09.010

Authors: Ye Cao, Josephine M. Kanta, Christopher A. Bishop, Bente Kiens, Andreas M. Fritzen, Maximilian Kleinert

Institutions: German Center for Diabetes Research, German Institute of Human Nutrition, University of Copenhagen, University of Potsdam

Language: English

Topic: Diet and metabolism studies

Subfield: Physiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $7,030