Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT)Manual of Clinical Nutrition Management C- 58 Copyright © 2 013 Compass Group, Inc. MCT are available as MCT oil or in formulas containing MCT.
MCT should be introduced slowly to avoid the abdominal distention and pain, nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea associated with rapid infusion or high dose (2).
MCT in divided doses of no more than 15 to 20 mL (3 to 4 tsp) at a time are generally well tolerated (2).
Patients should initially receive no more than 20 to 30 mL per day, increasing by 5 to 10 mL per day as
tolerated until the MCT goal is met.
To incorporate MCT into the diet, the following are suggested (2):
Add 1 tsp MCT oil to 4 oz fat free milk, carbonated beverages, juices, or flavored drinks. If patient is
prescribed a ketogenic diet, use sugar-free beverages and follow fluid restrictions.
Substitute an equal amount of MCT oil for other fats when cooking and baking.
Prepare salad dressings with MCT oil.
References- Babineau TJ, Pomposelli J, Forse RA, Blackburn GL. Specific nutrients: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids. In: Zaloga GP, ed. Nutrition
in Critical Care. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 1994:196-197. - Nelson JK, Moxness KE, Jensen MD, Gastineau CF, eds. Gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. In: Mayo Clinic Diet Manual: A Handbook
of Nutrition Practices. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 1994:230-232. - Pons R, De Vivo DC. Primary and secondary carnitine deficiency syndromes. J Child Neuro. 1995;10:S8-S24.
- Long-chain trigylceride restricted medium-chain triglyceride diet. In: Manual of Clinical Dietetics. 6 th ed. Chicago, Ill: American Dietetic
Association; 2000: 725. - Nebeling LC, Lerner E. Implementing a ketogenic diet based on medium-chain triglyceride oil in pediatric patients with cancer. J Am
Diet. Assoc.1995 Jun;95(6):693-7.