MCTs gained the spotlight with the rising popularity of keto diets. MCT oil is a frequently used ingredient in bulletproof coffees, the keto-friendly drink that helps promote weight loss.
MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) contain smaller molecules of fat that are easily broken down, absorbed, and used by the body. MCTs are naturally found in coconut oil, palm kernel oils, and some dairy products,
They can be used for energy production or to create ketones which act as a means of alternate fuel in absence of glucose.
MCTs are types of fat that contain fatty acids with 6-12 carbon atoms. These fatty acids are Caproic acid (C6), Caprylic acid (C8), Capric acid (C10), and Lauric acid (C12).
MCT oil is a supplement generally made from coconut or palm kernel oil and may provide various health benefits. These include weight loss, slowing down the progress of Alzheimer’s Disease, supporting treatment of epilepsy and autism, preventing bacterial infections, and more.
MCT Oil supplements available in the form of powders, liquids, soft gels capsules, etc. can be bought online without a prescription. Listed here are our top 6 choices of MCT Oil supplements. Explore and choose the product that fits your needs the best.
Our Top Picks
1. The Best Quality – Performance Lab® MCT
2. The Best Vegan – Sports Research MCT Oil
3. The Best Soft Gels – Nuzena MCT Pure+
4. The Best Budget – Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil
5. The Best for Ketogenic Support – Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil
6. The Best Natural – Elinella Naturals MCT Oil
Now let’s look at each of these MCT Oil supplements in detail to find out why they are considered the best in their categories.
1. The Best Quality – Performance Lab® MCT
Quality is of utmost importance and the main criterion that buyers seek in a supplement. Good quality products are based on the type of ingredients, the manufacturing process, and third-party testing that affirm purity and potency.
About Performance Lab® MCT
Performance Lab® MCT is a natural supplement with the goodness of fatty acids from coconut oils that provides energy, stimulates fat loss, and is handy ketogenic support for overall health.
Made from organic coconuts, it provides C8 and C10 MCTs that are scientifically proven to be effective in boosting energy for the body and mind resulting in enhanced performance.
Performance Lab® MCT is made in a state-of-the-art, FDA registered, GMP certified facility in New Jersey, USA. It is made using non-GMO and USDA certified organic ingredients that are third-party verified for purity and safety.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 1 tablespoon (15 ml) has:
- Calories – 130
- Total Fat – 14 g
- Saturated Fat – 14 g
- Trans Fat – 0 g
- Cholesterol – 0 mg
- Sodium – 0 mg
- Total Carbohydrate – 0 g
- Protein – 0 g
- C8/ C10 MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides)
- Oil from 100% Organic Coconuts – 12.2 g
- C8 – Caprylic Acid – 7.1 g
- C10 – Capric Acid – 5.1 g
Available as 16 fl. oz (473 ml), Performance Lab® MCT offers 31 servings in total. Made from organic coconuts and not dairy, this supplement is suitable for consumption by vegetarians and vegans.
The suggested dosage is 1 tablespoon daily that can be easily added to coffee, shakes, smoothies, soups, or used as salad dressings. It can be taken 30 minutes before exercise to improve performance and twice a day for effective support during keto diets.
Performance Lab® MCT contains clean, triple-filtered top-quality MCT oil that is free of gluten, additives, and stimulants such as caffeine. It is also free from artificial colors, preservatives, major allergens, and banned substances.
The Pros:
- C8 and C10 MCTs from organic coconuts
- Suitable to mix in beverages, smoothies, soups, and salads
- No stimulants or banned substances
- Suitable for vegans
Summary: Performance Lab® MCT contains MCTs from organic coconuts to deliver overall health benefits. Triple-filtered, free from stimulants allergens, this top quality product helps in maintaining good energy even during weight loss.
2. The Best Vegan – Sports Research MCT Oil
Veganism seems to be a promising new way of maintaining good health and hence vegan supplements without the use of animal derivatives are in demand. Though many products are deemed to be vegan-friendly, a certification affirms the authenticity of a quality vegan supplement.
About Sports Research MCT Oil
Sports Research MCT Oil is a premium supplement that is loaded with the goodness of naturally potent MCTs from coconuts that possess high-energy to keep your metabolic rate going to help fulfill your weight management goals.
Armed with potent doses of C8, C10, and C12 MCTs, this supplement lends support to keto and paleo diets. It helps in faster production of ketones for sustained energy, thereby reducing cravings and inducing weight loss which is the basis of these diets.
Sports Research, a family-owned company, sources its MCT Oil from the Philippines. Manufactured in GMP compliant facilities, it is third-party tested and packaged in the USA. It is a Certified Vegan to guarantee safety for vegans and vegetarians.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 1 tablespoon (15 ml) holds:
- Calories – 130
- Total Fat – 14 g
- Saturated Fat – 13 g
- Medium Chain Triglycerides – 14 g
[from 100% Coconut (cocos nucifera) Oil]
Typical fatty acid composition, as TG:
- Caprylic Acid (C8:0) – 5.65 g
- Capric Acid (C10:0) – 3.7 g
- Lauric Acid (C12:0) – 4.0 g
This super-sized 128 fl oz (3780 ml) of Sports Research MCT Oil will suffice for 250 servings. It has an added pump dispenser which makes measurements easy and quick to use.
The suggested serving for adults is to start with 1 tablespoon daily. If well tolerated, it can be used up to 3 times a day. With no flavor or odor, it can be easily used in coffee, shakes, salad dressings, and replace normal oils in cooking.
Sports Research MCT Oil is made of purely natural ingredients that are free from GMOs and gluten. It is packaged in BPA-free, HDPE, PET-Safe plastic bottles for added safety against contamination.
The Pros:
- Certified Vegan supplement
- Effective C8. C10, and C12 MCTs for complete benefits
- One 128 fl oz can provide 250 servings
- Keto-friendly and Certified Paleo
Summary: Sports Research MCT Oil with 3 potent MCTs provides adequate energy and induces weight loss. Free from GMO and gluten, it ensures good ketone production for high metabolic support.
3. The Best Soft Gels – Nuzena MCT Pure+
Soft gels are one of the best and effective forms of MCT oil supplements for those who are constantly on the go, or who don’t relish mixing it with food. Convenient to use, its capability to disintegrate and get quickly absorbed by the body makes it a great alternative for messy liquids.
About Nuzena MCT Pure+
Nuzena MCT Pure+ is a top-quality supplement that is designed to provide concentrated doses of MCTs for great energy, support with weight loss, and maintaining good cardiovascular health.
Suitable for both men and women, this product is made of healthy natural fatty acids derived from coconuts. Packed into convenient soft gels, it holds MCTs in a liquid form for easy absorption.
Nuzena MCT Pure+ is made in an FDA registered GMP certified facility in the USA. Made with non-GMO ingredients that are clinically proven to be effective, this supplement is also third-party verified for quality, purity, and potency.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 2 soft gels consists of:
- Medium Chain Triglycerides – 2000 mg
- Caprylic Acid – 1100 mg
- Capric Acid -700 mg
Nuzena MCT Pure+ contains 60 soft gels that provide 30 servings to last as a month’s supply. The soft gels are made of pork gelatin and are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
The recommended dosage is 2 soft gels a day taken preferably 20-30 minutes before meals or as recommended by a physician. Nuzena recommends using this product for at least 90 days to experience full-fledged benefits.
Nuzena MCT Pure+ is made of 100% pure natural ingredients and is completely free from gluten. Nuzena is a reputed brand and offers a 30-day return policy on its products subject to conditions.
The Pros:
- Convenient and no-mess soft gels
- Just 2 per day for complete MCT benefits
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Third-party verified
Summary: Nuzena MCT Pure+ is a supplement that benefits overall health with potent MCTs in convenient soft gels. Third-party tested, this supplement provides great energy and helps maintain good heart health.
4. The Best Budget – Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil
Supplements that fit a budget are difficult when you seek both quality and efficiency. Good brands with access to premium ingredients and efficient production process make it possible to release products with verified quality, effectiveness, and make it pocket-friendly too.
About Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil
Nature’s Way organic MCT Oil is a popular supplement with the right combination of fatty acids that can be quickly digested and used by the body to support brain functions and other metabolic activities.
This pocket-friendly supplement is approved and certified as vegan. Permitted for paleo and keto diets, it can be included as part of meals to provide constant energy throughout the day.
Made in the USA, Nature’s Way uses 100% non-GMO and USDA Certified Organic coconut oil to formulate its Organic MCT Oil. Every batch of this supplement, right from raw material to finished product, is subjected to intensive in-house lab tests for quality and purity.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) offers:
- Calories – 130
- Total Fat – 14 g
- Saturated Fat – 13 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat – 0 mg
- Monounsaturated Fat – 0 g
- Cholesterol – 0 mg
- Medium Chain Triglycerides – 14 g
- Caprylic Acid – 7.7 g
- Capric Acid – 5.0 g
Designed to provide 32 servings for a 16 fl oz (480 ml) bottle, this product is also available in an option of 30 fl oz (887 ml) for longer servings.
As a dietary supplement, adults can take 1 tablespoon (15ml) 1-3 times a day depending on the requirement or a practitioner’s advice. It is flavorless, odorless, and can be added to beverages, shakes, smoothies, or consumed directly for natural health benefits.
Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil though cost-effective does not compromise on quality. It is gluten-free and does not contain palm or other oils. Hexane-free, it is packaged in BPA-free plastic bottles that keep it free from contaminants.
The Pros:
- Pocket-friendly and value for money
- Effective ketone and metabolic support
- Certified for Vegan, Paleo, and Keto
- No palm or other filler oils
Summary: Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil is a supplement with essential fatty acids from organic coconuts. Free of other oils, this product provides adequate energy during keto and paleo diets without burning a hole in your pocket.
5. The Best for Ketogenic Support – Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil
Keto diets are common when considering weight loss. Being one of the toughest diets, they follow a strict regimen of carb restriction to enable the production of ketones and burn fat.
Studies have shown that MCTs from coconut oil especially C8 (caprylic acid) have the potential to induce and maintain ketosis that is essential in keto diets (1).
About Viva Naturals Organic MCT OIL
Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil is a well-known supplement that is enriched with MCTs to give your body sustained energy and stamina when you are on a low or no-carb diet.
Packed with C8 and C10 acids known for their efficiency to induce ketosis and in turn weight loss, this supplement made from organic coconut oil serves as excellent support for keto diets that burn fat for energy.
A product of Indonesia, Viva Naturals makes its Organic MCT Oil in a GMP certified facility in Canada and distributed in the USA. This supplement is also labeled USDA Organic and third-party verified, making it safe for consumption.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) provides:
- Calories – 130
- Total Fat – 14 g
- Saturated Fat – 14 g
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – 14 g
- Caprylic Acid – 8.4 g
- Capric Acid – 5.6 g
One 32 fl oz ( 946 ml) of Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil provides 63 servings that can last 1-2 months depending on use. With no flavor or odor, it works as a great addition to coffee, salads, smoothies, and sauces.
The recommended dosage is 1 tablespoon (15 ml) a day for regular use or as advised by a doctor. People new to MCT Oil can go slow and start with 5 ml doses working their way gradually to a full tablespoon to avoid stomach upset.
Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil has zero non-GMO ingredients and contains no extra fillers or additives. Gluten-free and with no artificial flavor, swap your regular oils with this product and enjoy good energy and visible weight loss.
The Pros:
- Optimized keto support for effective weight management
- Non-GMO ingredients from Certified Organic coconuts
- No fillers, additives, or artificial flavors
- Third-party verified
Summary: Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil with naturally potent C8 and C10 MCTs from pure coconut oil lend adequate support to keto diets for consistent energy while managing weight effectively.
6. The Best Natural – Elinella Naturals MCT Oil
Natural products are safe and are easily accepted by the body. With minimal side-effects in supplemental form, these natural products are usually graded on the quality, type of ingredients, where and how they are manufactured and the benefits that they can effectively deliver.
About Elinella Naturals MCT Oil
Elinella Naturals MCT Oil is a high-quality supplement that is designed to provide essential MCTs for boosting energy and metabolism that supports brain and physical health.
Derived from 100% organic coconuts, these MCTs help sustain efficient metabolic activities even during keto diets and deliver continuous energy to support weight loss and performance.
Manufactured in an FDA registered, CSI certified facility in the USA, Elinella Naturals uses GMO-free premium ingredients. There is no testing on animals and every batch of MCT Oil is third-party tested to ensure it is pure and healthy for consumption.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 1 Tbsp (15 ml) contains:
- Calories – 120
- Total Fat – 14 g
- Saturated Fat – 14 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat – 0 mg
- Monounsaturated Fat – 0 g
- Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
- Sugars – 0 g
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – 14 g
- (from Coconut Oil)
Elinella Naturals MCT Oil is available as a 16 oz bottle that provides 32 servings to last a month. It is sugar-free making it safe for those who want to avoid added sugars, and certified vegan too.
As a dietary supplement, 1 tablespoon of MCT oil can be added to your morning coffee, shakes, or smoothies for consumption. It is odorless and tasteless which makes it a great addition for cooking or salad tosses too.
Elinella Naturals MCT Oil contains only natural MCTs derived from coconuts that are highly suitable for both keto and paleo diets. It contains no gluten or dairy and is entirely free from fillers, binders, or artificial ingredients. A 100% money-back guarantee is also available if the product is found unsatisfactory.
The Pros:
- Naturally potent MCTs from Organic coconuts
- Free from sugar, gluten, and dairy
- Keto-friendly, vegan, and paleo certified
- 100% money-back guarantee
Summary: Elinella Naturals MCT Oil, true to its name is a 100% natural, vegan supplement. It supports keto and paleo diets easily by providing good energy to support the brain and metabolic functions for optimal health and weight loss.
Dosage for MCT Oil Supplements
The dosage of supplementation may vary according to the requirements or medical conditions of some people. First-timers can begin with small quantities and gradually increase to assess tolerance levels and avoid digestive issues.
Daily, 1 tablespoon (15ml or 14 g) can be mixed into beverages, shakes, etc and taken in the morning. Up to 3 tablespoons (45 ml) spread throughout the day, is considered suitable for those on intermittent fasting or keto diets.
Research on the use of MCTs for the treatment of gastrointestinal issues has indicated that 50-100 gm (4-7 tablespoons) may help improve such conditions (2).
Another study has suggested that MCT intake of 20-60 g/ day constituting 12-20% of energy intake in a weight loss diet does not have an impact on triglyceride levels and may be consumed without increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (3).
Summary: Recommended doses for MCT oil supplements may differ based on an individual’s requirement or medical conditions. Consult a doctor for a suitable dosage or if you have a medical condition to avoid adverse effects.
Precautions and Side Effects of MCT Oil Supplements
MCT oil supplements are natural and your body needs them to maintain energy and good health. Supplements offer stronger doses than what you get from food and that can cause some potential side-effects. Some of them are listed below.
- Diarrhea, bloating, or stomach discomfort may occur when you initially use MCT oil supplements. So, start with smaller doses and gradually increase till you can tolerate a complete dose.
- If you are allergic to tree nuts, then MCT oil supplements may not be suitable for you.
- Coconut oil is largely saturated fat and high on calories, but it has powerful MCTs that are metabolized differently from other fats. Though beneficial, individuals with CVDs, elevated lipid levels, or weight loss medication should consult a doctor before using MCT oil supplements.
- Coconut oil is known to increase vitamin D absorption in the body. When combined with calcium and vitamin D supplements it can lead to adverse levels of serum calcium in the blood (4).
Summary: MCT oil supplements contain strong concentrations of MCTs that can induce certain side effects. Too many MCTs can result in stomach issues, more calorie intake, and increase cholesterol levels that may be harmful to health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Caproic Acid not Included in MCT Oil Supplements?
Caproic Acid (C6), though an MCT is not included in commercial supplements generally owing to its unpleasant odor and bitter taste.
It is the shortest of the MCTs and though it can be quickly converted into ketones, it can create stomach upsets easily which is the reason it is excluded from most MCT supplements. Another reason is the content of caproic acid in coconut oil ranges only between 0.2-0.5% which is considered negligible to provide any health benefit.
Why is MCT Oil Better Than Coconut Oil?
MCT oil is better than coconut oil as the concentration of MCTs is much higher and potent than plain coconut oil. MCT oil contains maximum concentrations of caprylic acid (C8) and/or capric acids (C10) and smaller percentages of lauric acid (C12) as against coconut oil which has more lauric acid. Since C8 and C10 are directly transported to the liver, they are better absorbed and used.
Many people use MCT oil in keto diets. Studies indicate that Caprylic acid has the best ketogenic effect. Also, MCT oils are odorless and can be easily added to different kinds of food which make MCT oil better than coconut oils (5).
The Final Note
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are molecules of fat that the body breaks down and uses as energy when it is low on carbohydrates. MCT Oil supplements are concentrated formulations containing pure MCTs mainly from coconuts.
MCT Oil supplements are easy to use, available without a prescription, and bestow several benefits that include good energy, weight loss, support with brain functions, and maintaining cardiovascular health.
MCT oil offers good support for keto diets by inducing fat-burning. Excess consumption can result in some side-effects. Check with a doctor for suitability and dosage if you are under medications, or have certain medical conditions.
MCT Oil supplements can be beneficial but it is wise to remember that you will also be getting adequate MCTs through your daily diet. If you want to give it a try, you can mix, cook, or drizzle into daily foods, or consume a tablespoon of MCT oil directly for wholesome physical and mental well-being!
