The Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil diet is arguably the most forgiving of the ketogenic diet therapies, though dietary tolerance can occasionally be prohibitive. Medium-chain triglycerides produce ketones more easily than long-chain triglycerides (LCT). Their ability to bypass the liver and convert directly to ketones means that less total fat is required on this therapy, allowing for more carbohydrate and protein to be consumed.
The MCT oil diet uses exchange lists to divide food groups into categories that can be interchanged based on dietary preference. This provides the flexibility of planning individually designed meals by choosing from the lists in specified, measured quantities. Tolerance of high quantities of MCT oil is best achieved when the oil is divided up evenly throughout the day between meals and snacks.
Less rigidity allows the MCT oil diet to be initiated on an outpatient basis, though consistent, long-term laboratory and medical surveillance is still required.
Think the MCT oil diet is right for you? Talk to your doctor and Registered Dietitian for a comprehensive evaluation.