MCT Oil vs Coconut Oil: Which One Should You Use and Why

What is Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Oil

Oils are made up of triglycerides that contain a glycerol molecule with three carbon chains of fatty acids which can be of various lengths attached to it. The three major types of fatty acid lengths include:

• Short chain triglycerides: < 6 carbons
• Medium chain triglycerides (MCT): 6-12 carbons
• Long chain triglycerides: 14 or more carbons

Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) include caprylic acid (8 carbons in length), capric acid (10 carbons in length), and lauric acid (12 carbons in length). These fatty acids are naturally found in coconut oil, palm oil, and milk fat. Synthetic versions are also available on the market.

MCT oil has become popularized by the ketogenic diet and is often used for various health benefits, including weight management, metabolic health, and brain health.

MCFA are partly metabolized in the mitochondria of the liver to produce ketones, which are then transported to the organs of the body such as the brain, which can use ketones for energy production.

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is extracted directly from fresh coconut. It is a popular cooking oil, and some varieties have a coconut flavor. Besides cooking, coconut oil is often used in beauty care and has other therapeutic health uses. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature.

Virgin coconut oil contains antioxidants, compounds which help neutralize oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Some of the major antioxidants in virgin coconut oil include tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, flavonoids, and polyphenols.

Similarities between MCT oil and coconut oil

Both coconut oil and MCT oil contain medium chain triglycerides, although in differing ratios. Coconut oil also contains some long chain fatty acids.

MCT oil can be made from coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil.

Difference between mct oil and coconut oil

Coconut oil and MCT oil are not the same. MCT oil is a refined product and does not contain all of the components of coconut oil. Coconut oil contains mostly small and medium chain triglycerides, whereas MCT oil contains only medium chain triglycerides.

Coconut oil also contains antioxidants as well as all three of the medium chain triglycerides, whereas MCT oil does not contain any lauric acid, the 12-carbon fatty acid.

While coconut oil is often used for cooking due to its safety at higher cooking temperatures, MCT oil is not used for cooking due to its low smoke point.

Benefits of mct oil and coconut oil

Both coconut oil and MCT oil provide promising health benefits.

Weight management

Current consensus in research is mixed, but there is promising evidence that MCT oil may promote weight loss when incorporated into a healthy weight loss plan combined with a healthy diet, exercise, adequate sleep and hydration.

MCT oil can act as a quick source of energy and has been shown to lead to ketone production. Ketosis has been shown to produce satiety, which may aid in weight management efforts.

In one randomized cross over study, consumption of MCT oil versus corn oil with breakfast led to the MCT oil group of participants choosing to eat a smaller portion at lunch. In addition to this satiety effect, the MCT oil group also had better lab levels of triglycerides, glucose, and higher peptide YY and leptin in comparison to the corn oil group, which may support satiety.

In this randomized, double-blind, clinical trial involving 40 women between the ages of 20 and 40, 12 weeks of virgin coconut oil supplementation resulted in reduced waist circumference and did not cause negative effects on blood cholesterol levels.

Boosts brain health and memory

Additional research is needed, as animal studies show mixed results.

For example, one study showed that 28 days of substantial intake of coconut oil in mice showed decreases in memory function. Another study, however, showed enhanced memory and with coconut oil intake attributed to antioxidants in coconut oil and reduced oxidative stress.

Additional animal research showed that the lauric acid in coconut oil can be used by neurons to stimulate ketogenesis (ketone production) to help with formation of astrocytes, neuronal cells in the central nervous system.

Ketones are promising for brain health since they can act as an alternative energy source for brains with impaired glucose metabolism.

Maintains healthy cholesterol levels already within normal limits

Some people may be concerned with any effects of MCT or coconut oil on blood cholesterol levels. Research suggests that MCT oil may have a leg up on coconut oil in this area.

MCT oil has been shown to actually improve healthy levels of cholesterol. One study also found that consumption of 18-24 grams of MCT oil daily for 16 weeks did not lead to any adverse effects on cardiovascular health or triglycerides.

Coconut oil has been shown in some studies to negatively impact cholesterol, while other studies show that it may improve it. Still, it may raise total cholesterol levels overall. The science isn’t yet clear. The best choice may be to keep virgin coconut oil to moderate consumption and diversify intake of other types of fats and oils.

Stress management

While coconut oil may help manage effects of stress, it is not a magic supplement. Additional diet and lifestyle practices matter to reduce stress.

According to one animal study, mice treated with virgin coconut oil showed reduced oxidative stress and corticosterone levels and higher levels of brain antioxidants.

Improves skin and hair health

Coconut oil has promising effects on hair and skin health.

In one experiment, coconut oil was the only oil when compared with sunflower and mineral oil to reduce hair protein loss for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as both a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product.

Topical use of coconut oil can help with skin hydration by preventing water loss from skin. It has also shown to be safe and effective for improving certain skin conditions.

Coconut oil can also help with wound healing. An animal study found those with coconut oil applied topically had faster healing. This was in part due to stronger collagen synthesis.

Additionally, the practice of oil pulling using coconut oil may help with oral health. There is limited evidence but current studies point to benefits likely due to the antimicrobial properties in coconut oil.

Which one is better?

Coconut oil and MCT oil both have their benefits. Which one to use depends on what you want to support.

When choosing coconut oil, quality plays a factor. Virgin coconut oil contains a higher amount of monoglycerides and antioxidants and other phytonutrients because of differences in processing. Many studies available and referenced in this article study coconut oil specifically, so more data is available on coconut oil’s benefits.

MCT oil does not increase lipid levels so it may be a better choice for ingestion if lipid levels are a concern.

How to use mct or coconut oil

Both MCT oil and coconut oil can be added to smoothies, coffee, and other dishes. Coconut oil is the better choice of the two for cooking and baking.

Coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils for topical use. It can also be used in hair treatments and as a natural skin moisturizer.

Final takeaways

MCT and coconut oils have similarities, but also important differences. Both differ in their fatty acid composition, while coconut oil contains lauric acid. Both may be promising for brain health as well as weight management, but more research is still needed there. While research points to MCT oil either being favorable or neutral for cholesterol levels, coconut oil is mixed in the results. Coconut oil can be used topically to promote skin and hair health.