Nutrabio MCT Powder

NutraBio MCT Powder is designed to deliver a high-quality, calorie-dense source of medium-chain triglycerides to support the energy demands of athletes or those following a ketogenic diet. MCTs may also be beneficial for weight loss as they appear to increase metabolic rate and the speed at which fats are broken down to release fatty acids into the bloodstream for energy use.

The medium-chain triglycerides found in NutraBio MCT Powder are extracted from coconut and contain 9 grams of MCTs high in C8 and C10 with zero net carbs, maltodextrin, or sugar. Moreover, our MCT Powder has no fillers, excipients, hidden ingredients, or additives and is allergen, gluten-free, and BSE/TSE-free. What you see on the label is precisely what you get… high-grade MCTs made in our cGMP and FDA-inspected facility.

What are Medium Chain Triglycerides?
Medium-chain triglycerides are a type of fatty acid found naturally in foods like coconut oil, palm oil, and some dairy products. Because MCTs are shorter than long-chain fatty acids (i.e., vegetable oils) and water-soluble, they are metabolized differently in the body. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, MCTs bypass the digestion process of longer-chain fatty acids and go directly to the liver, where they are rapidly broken down and, thus, provide a quick source of energy and are less likely to be stored in fat cells. This is why it is often said MCTs act more like carbohydrates than fat.

Benefits of NutraBio MCT Powder

For Weight/Fat Loss:

Multiple studies suggest substituting MCTs for other fats in a healthy diet may support healthy weight and body composition when combined with exercise. This is due to MCTs:

Lower energy density: MCTs contain 8.4 calories per gram versus 9.2 calories per gram for long-chain fatty acids. Substituting MCTs for other fats may create a calorie deficit and lead to small but significant changes in body weight.

Thermic effect: When MCTs are combined with carbohydrates and proteins, a significant thermogenic effect leads to more calories being burned and fewer calories being stored as fat, which may help reduce weight/body fat levels.

Satiating effect: MCTs may increase peptide YY and leptin more than long-chain fatty acids. These two hormones help reduce appetite and create a feeling of fullness.

Aversion to being stored as fat: MCTs are less likely to be stored as fat compared to long-chain fatty acids because they are more rapidly absorbed and used as energy in the body.

While many studies have demonstrated that MCTs are beneficial for weight/fat loss, other research has found no effects. Additionally, weight loss due to MCT supplementation can vary widely, with most clinical trials showing a 1 to 5-pound loss in weight over periods lasting 3 to 12 weeks. At this point, more studies need to be conducted to determine how effective MCTs are for weight loss and how much should be taken to derive the greatest benefits.

For Athletic Performance:
Due to limited studies, the evidence linking MCT consumption to enhanced performance could be more robust. However, MCTs can still be of benefit to athletes in the following ways:

MCTs may have a protein and carbohydrate-sparing effect within the body since they can be used for energy. This means more significant reserves of amino acids to promote growth and recovery and increased glycogen stores to fuel prolonged efforts. In summary, MCTs provide fats in the diet that can support activity or growth without contributing to stored adipose tissue like other fat sources.

MCTs are a calorie-dense option for athletes who need to gain weight or whose sport has higher energy demands.

MCTs are an ideal energy source for those adhering to a ketogenic diet or those trying to cut carbs who want to maintain total daily calories.

For Health:

MCT supplementation may also confer some health benefits. These are:

In human and animal studies, MCTs have been linked to lower cholesterol levels. However, other studies have shown no effect or adverse effects on cholesterol when supplementing with MCTs.

MCTs may help lower blood sugar and may increase insulin sensitivity. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

MCTs may improve brain function. Because MCTs produce ketones, they can be used as an energy source for the brain. However, more research is needed to confirm this benefit.

What does the Research Say About Medium Chain Triglycerides?

Below is a brief review of the studies linking MCT supplementation to weight/fat loss and performance benefits:

A 2003 study by St-Onge et al. discovered that subjects who consumed MCTs for 28 days lost more adipose tissue and had increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation levels compared to individuals who consumed long-chain triglycerides. From the results, the researcher concluded that MCTs might aid in preventing obesity and stimulate weight loss.

Tsuji et al. (2001) found that individuals who were supplemented with MCTs over 12 weeks could significantly decrease body weight, overall body fat, and subcutaneous fat compared to those who consumed long-chain triglycerides.

Dulloo et al. (1996) discovered that relatively low-to-moderate intake of MCTs (15-30 g per day) as part of a habitual diet may play a role in controlling human body composition by enhancing daily calorie expenditure.

Costa (2012) reviewed 14 articles on short- and long-term MCT supplementation and found that six showed a decrease in individuals’ body mass, which resulted in weight loss. One showed a positive effect on satiation (feeling of fullness), and four showed increased daily calorie expenditure.

A 2001 study by Oopik et al. found that runners who were supplemented with MCTs for seven days increased the availability of ketone bodies for oxidation in working muscles during high-intensity exercise. The researchers concluded that this could improve performance by prolonging time to exhaustion.

MCT Dosage, Safety, & Side Effects
Research indicates that 5-30 grams of MCTs daily are most effective in producing weight loss benefits. However, more studies are needed to determine the optimal amount to provide (if any) enhancements in performance.

At present, MCT supplementation has not been reported to have any severe side effects or adverse interactions with medications. Some minor side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and upset stomach. These can be avoided by starting with smaller doses and increasing intake slowly.

The bottom line of MCTs
MCTs may have a small but significant impact on weight and body fat loss and may also provide some endurance exercise benefits. For these reasons, adding NutraBio MCT powder to your diet may be worthwhile. However, more studies need to be conducted on MCTs to demonstrate these effects further.\

NutraBio MCT powder may be most beneficial for individuals who need a calorie-dense option to build lean mass, those who need a rapid energy source before or during exercise, people who want to cut daily carbs but not total daily calories, and lastly, those adhering to a ketogenic diet.

MCT FAQs
Q: What is the best way to take NutraBio MCT Powder?

As a dietary supplement, mix one scoop into your favorite beverage for added energy or calories; for best results, use a shaker cup. When stirring with a spoon, add MCT powder first then liquid. This product can be added to protein powders and meal replacements for added calories and energy.

Q: When is the best time to use MCTs to enhance performance?

MCTs should be consumed 5-10 minutes before exercise to meet the energy demands of the workout being performed.