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Medium-chain Triglycerides
Decanoic (C10) and Octanoic (C8) acid
What are medium-chain triglycerides?
As seen in Figure 1 below, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are comprised of a glycerol molecule attached to three fatty acids, with a hydrocarbon chain ranging between 6 to 12 atoms. They come from a range of sources, such as linseed, palm and coconut oil.
The two MCTs of interest for their anti-seizure, behavioural and cognitive-enhancing effects, are octanoic (C8) and decanoic (C10) acid.
How are Medium-Chain Triglycerides metabolised?
Medium chain triglycerides are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and go directly to the liver via the portal vein, where they are metabolised via β-oxidation and the Krebs cycle into ketone bodies, acetate, and carbon dioxide or transported as MCTs in the plasma. Compared to LCFA digestion, this direct pathway causes no significant stimulation of pancreatic secretion in dogs.
Figure 1: Absorption and metabolism of decanoic acid (C10) in dogs
Is coconut oil good for dogs?
Say NO to coconut oil and HELLO to medium-chain triglycerides .... here's why
Coconut oil is one of the commonly known sources of MCTs; however, it does not have the same clinical benefits for dogs as MCT oil. Coconut oil is made up of many other constituents, such as long-chain fatty acids. Long-chain fatty acids can trigger pancreatitis in some dogs.
Furthermore, a dog must consume far more coconut oil than a pure medium-chain triglyceride product to get the same clinical benefits, making side effects such as weight gain, vomiting, diarrhoea and inappetence a higher and unnecessary risk.
