Recent Advances in Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Chronic Disease Prevention.
Recent Advances in Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Chronic Disease Prevention.
Where did the research take place?
The study site has not been established. Author addresses may differ from where the research occurred.
Beijing, CN · Author affiliation
Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Education, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.Location evidence
CA · Author affiliation · country only
China-Canada Joint Lab of Food Nutrition and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.Location evidence
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Original abstract
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are functional lipids with unique physicochemical properties and metabolic advantages. Recently, their regulatory roles in various chronic diseases have attracted considerable attention. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress and the proposed mechanisms of MCTs and their metabolites in metabolic diseases, neurological disorders, gut health, and muscle function. In the metabolic field, MCTs offer potential nutritional strategies for managing obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and various metabolic liver diseases. These effects are primarily mediated by improving insulin sensitivity, regulating lipid metabolism, and modulating energy expenditure. In neurological diseases, MCTs demonstrate potential for preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and epilepsy through multiple pathways, including ketogenic energy supply, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and mitochondrial protection. Regarding gut health, MCTs and their derivatives may benefit digestive health by modulating gut microbiota and enhancing barrier function. For muscle health, MCTs help optimize energy metabolism and protein homeostasis, showing promise for countering sarcopenia and improving exercise performance. In conclusion, the prospects for MCTs are broad. Future research should focus on promoting their scientific application in precision nutrition and disease therapy, and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety.